Secretaries & caretakers to strike for ‘as long as it takes’
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
SCHOOL sectretaries and caretakers in Clare will continue to strike for as long as it takes.
Industrial action has entered its rst full week with secretaries and caretakers seeking access to the Single Public Service Pension Scheme to give them parity with their colleagues when it comes to public service pensions, sick and bereavement leave schemes.
Scari NS secretary, Maureen Kelly conrmed they will stay on strike for as long
as is necessary and said they have been ignored for ten weeks by the Government.
“We’re a very small demographic and it will take a few days for the hits to be felt but it will because we’re one cog in a wheel but the wheel will stop turning at some stage”.
Principal of Inch NS, Conor McKenna said the communication lag is already visible in the absence of their secretaries while voicing his support for their secretary, Carole Linnane. “Carole spends her days scrimping and scraping trying to nd pennys in everything
we buy and order into the school, she does untold work papering over the cracks from underfunding at Department level, if anybody deserves a bit more money from the Department and the Government it is Carole and her colleagues”.
Ennis woman Pamela McCarthy explained, “we’re not looking for billions of euro, we’re not looking for anything free, we’re willing to pay into our pensions, it is to have parity with our colleagues”.
Principal Gerard Ruane of Barefield NS joins the picket alongside secretary and caretaking staff this week
School staff strikes
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Six Clare students and apprentices compete at WorldSkills Ireland
Six students and apprentices from
this
Canavan, Examiner; Co Clare competitors Yeshuah O’Brien Bayer, Oisin Madigan, Eoin
and David Bourke
Lisdoonvarna revellers receive boost to love prospects opening hours extended for match-making
by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie
THOSE seeking love at this year’s month-long Lisdoonvarna match-making festival in north Clare have received a boost in their romance prospects.
This follows a district court judge giving revellers descending on the north Clare town for this September’s Lisdoonvarna match-making festival an additional 30 minutes party time across the town’s pubs during selected nights this month on last year.
The festival is Europe’s largest singles festival and at Ennis District Court today, Judge Alec Gabbett granted publicans across Lisdoonvarna the blanket extension of opening hours to serve alcohol to 2am through ‘an area exemption for a Special Event’ application under Section 10 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1962.
Last year, Judge Gabbett cut back the blanket extension to 1.30am after Garda concerns.
As a result of the order for this year’s festival to serve alcohol to 2am, the publicans have secured the extension for 12 nights across Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights
for four weekends of the festival with the first night of extended opening hours to commence on Friday September 5th and the final night to be Sunday,
was last year”.
He said that from a policing point of view, Lisdoonvarna is quite isolated “and 1.30am would be preferable to the Gardai”.
September 28th.
Acting as agent in the case for M Petty & Co, solicitor for the publicans, John Casey told the court that the publicans were seeking a blanket extension to 2.30am.
Mr Casey commented that it “takes a while for people attending the festival to get going”.
Asked by Judge Gabbett if there was any objection to the 2.30am extension application, Sgt John Burke said that Gardai were seeking an extension to 1.30am “as it
Judge Gabbett said that a blanket extension to 2am “is sufficient”.
He commented: “The good old days of 2.30am extensions are long gone.”
Those licensed premises listed on the application seeking the extension are The Irish Arms, The Ravine, The Ritz, The Rathbaun, The Royal Spa, The Imperial, The Hydro, The Matchmaker, The Roadside Tavern, The Thomond, White’s Castle and the Wild Honey Inn.
Clare will compete at WorldSkills Ireland later
month. Clare competitors include Yeshuah O’Brien Bayer from Killaloe, Corofin’s Oisin Madigan, Eoin Dalton of Lahinch, Shannon’s Gillian Higgins plus Ennis duo James Downes and Kayla Fox.
WorldSkills Ireland is one of the country’s leading events dedicated to promoting skills, apprenticeship careers, and workplace opportunities for young people. Pic caption L-R: Dermot
Dalton, James Downes and Examiners Thomas Downes
Council Chief planning shake-up Senior Clare tourism off icials head for departure gate
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
A SHAKE-UP of the corporate structure of Clare County Council is set to be revealed later this month.
Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Gordon Daly has been busy plotting his vision for the local authority since his appointment at the end of March. The Tuamgraney man has been in the role since May and has used the summer months to engage with staff, councillors and communities before forming his plan of action.
The Clare Echo has learned that Daly held a workshop with Directors of Service this week where they were given a clear outline on the vision that the Chief Executive is putting forward for the Council.
Changes are expected to be made to the structure of the Council. At present the local authority is organised into directorates, these include Economic Development, Finance and Support Services, Physical Development, Rural Development, Social Development and Tourism Development.
Each Directorate is led by a Director of Service, in Clare these are Carmel Kirby (Economic Development), Noeleen Fitzgerald (Finance and Support Services), Alan Farrell (Physical Development), Ann Reynolds
(Rural Development), Jason Murphy (Social Development) and Siobhán McNulty (Tourism Development).
Council sources have told The Clare Echo that a Directorate focused specifically on housing and planning is in the offing. Currently housing falls under the Social Development directorate.
Mergers of existing directorates to facilitate a Housing Directorate have been mooted with Social Development and Tourism Development considered to be the most likely to experience changes. Alterations to Rural Development have also been contemplated.
Adding further speculation to the view that change is imminent to the Tourism Directorate was the confirmation from McNulty on Tuesday that the September Tourism SPC meeting would not proceed as scheduled.
From his decade as a Director of Service with Limerick City and County Council, Daly was central in bringing derelict houses back into use with a dedicated derelict properties team created in 2017. In the past five years it has carried out almost 8,000 inspections, served more than 2,800 notices and has or is planning to compulsorily acquire 300 properties in Limerick.
Between 2019 and last year, Limerick City and County Council brought 326 properties back into use. It has a revolving fund where properties are put on the open market and the proceeds used to pay for compulsory purchases if the owners can be found.
The vacant property refurbishment grant (VPRG), also known as Croí Cónaithe, has been a big success in tackling dereliction in Limerick, as in many other counties. There have been almost 500 applications received, of which 350 have been approved.
Twelve towns and villages in Limerick have been part of a pilot project from the Department of Housing which contributes €2.5m to proposals with the Council providing €800,000 from its own resources. Six sites in Abbeyfeale are currently being brought back from dereliction using the fund.
Elected members of the Council have yet to be briefed on what potential new structures may come into play within the local authority. The September meeting of the Council is expected to be adjourned as a mark of respect to the late Bill Chambers (FF).
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
TWO senior figures within Clare County Council’s tourism branch have stepped down from their roles.
The Clare Echo has learned that Stephen Hanley, General Manager of Clare Tourism East and Eoin Flanagan, Group Head of HR at Clare Tourism have left their roles.
Spending cutbacks have been introduced by the
may wish to discuss their own personal career paths, so it is probably best to consult with them about their plans”.
Prior to his promotion, Eoin was head of Group Head HR with the Cliffs of Moher Experience.
Hanley was appointed General Manager of Clare Tourism East, with responsibility for Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Craggaunowen Bronze Age
in visitors in 2023.
At Knappogue, he had predicted it would be capable of catering for 1000 guests in 2025, 2026 and 2027 but was frustrated with the “teething problems” which has delayed its opening as a five-star residence.
Tourism Directorate of Clare County Council which is understood to remain a strong bone of contention within staff in this sector. These include the removal of the jaunting cars at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park and the ending of a contract with TikTok influencers
Eoin Reardon and James O’Connor who between them have an online following in excess of three million.
When asked for comment on the departures of Hanley and Flanagan, both of whom who were viewed as senior personnel within Clare Tourism, a spokesperson for Clare County Council stated, “As you can appreciate routinely staff make employment choices suited to their personal and professional needs which results in movement into and out of organisations and companies. To this end, we don’t comment on individual choices. Of course, individuals
Park, Knappogue Castle & Gardens, and the Inis Cealtra /Holy Island Experience in June 2023, this coming weeks after the Council completed a historic agreement with the Shannon Airport Group marking the official handover of the Clare assets of Shannon Heritage to the local authority.
At the time of his arrival, the Council said the Kerry native and former General Manager of The Shelbourne Hotel was taking on “a key role” whereas this week the narrative within Áras Contae an Chláir was to downplay his exit. He had been vocal in his view for the need to deliver “fivestar experiences” at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park.
During his two years with Clare Tourism, Stephen was involved with the opening of the Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience in July, announcing plans of a €1m redevelopment at Craggaunowen which recorded a 27 percent increase in visitors in 2024 and Bunratty itself had a 14% jump
Works completed last year at Craggaunowen include the replacement of palisade fencing surrounding the ringfort, essential upgrade works to the castle including upgrades to heating and electrics, the installation of a new photographic exhibition in the castle showcasing the creation and development of the site, the launch of a new Folklore Trail, and a refresh of the Brendan Boat exhibition with new Audio Visual, signage and photography. The park’s animation team also was also doubled to include a range of artisan craftspeople including the addition of a blacksmith, woodworker, willow weaver and medieval musician.
Exits of Hanley and Flanagan come in the midst of a difficult period for tourism both countywide and nationally. July figures from the Central Statistics Office recorded 646,400 inbound visitors which was down 1.4 percent on 2024 and 44 percent on pre-pandemic levels when a different measurement metric was in operation. Inbound visitor numbers were down 12.9pc in the first six months of 2025. The average length of stay for foreign resident overnight visitors was 7.9 nights, down from an average of 8.1 nights in July 2024 and 8.7 nights in July 2023. The largest contingent of visitors came from Great Britain (33%), followed by visitors from the United States (25%).
Stephen Hanley, General Manager, Clare Tourism East, with Annelies van Haaran who was the first visitor through the doors of the new Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience in Mountshannon. They are pictured with Marie Brennan, Events Manager, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park and circled below is Eoin Flanagan, Group Head of HR at Clare Tourism
Clare’s Top Visitor Attractions and Activities Are
All in One Place
A new guide produced by Visit Clare Tourism puts the county’s top attractions and activities all in one place. It gives you an easy way to promote Clare to friends, relatives, and overseas contacts – and to share when the question “what’s there to do in Clare?” inevitably comes up. Just as importantly, it is a handy reference for planning your own outings through the seasons ahead.
By gathering Clare’s attractions north, south, east, west, and in Ennis into one guide, Visit Clare is providing a resource that works now and for the year ahead. It highlights Clare as a county rich in year-round experiences – easy for you to explore, and even easier to share.
You can link to the guide at www.VisitClare.ie/brochures or scan the QR code below to open it directly as a Flip Book.
Clare Guide to Top Attractions and Activities Online
The guide is also being used by Visit Clare Tourism to promote the county’s attractions and activities, both at home and abroad. It was recently showcased at Milwaukee Irish Fest, the biggest Irish festival in the world, where it introduced Clare to international audiences planning future trips. Now available online as a Flip Book, it is easy for you to browse, bookmark, and share with a single link or QR code –and it is a key tool Visit Clare is using to attract visitors for the remainder of 2025 and throughout 2026.
While some attractions are seasonal, many continue welcoming visitors right through the year, with Halloween and Christmas events adding to the appeal. Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, the Cliffs of Moher Experience, Vandeleur Walled Garden and Visitor Centre, the Burren Perfumery, Wilde Irish Chocolates, Hazel Mountain Chocolate, the caves at the Aillwee Burren Experience and Doolin Cave, Clare Museum, and glór are just some of the places offering memorable experiences whatever the season.
€2m investment planned for Planet in Ennis to include Padel Court, gym & saunas
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
A €2M investment is to be carried out as part of the redevelopment of the Planet Health Club in Ennis. Planning permission subject to a number of conditions was granted to Galway Bowl and Leisure Limited in August 2023 with the company now conrming they are aiming to open the new facility in the rst quarter of next year.
As part of its new 20,000sq gym facility, there will be a suite of Padel courts, an air dome featuring a gym, an indoor astro-turf, spin rooms, tness classes, separate saunas for men and women, all of which will be located on the existing grounds of the Clare Leisure World on the Showgrounds in Ennis. Padel courts will be located where the astro-turf is presently
situated. Construction work is expected to commence in the coming weeks, e Clare Echo understands. PV panels will reduce the carbon footprint of the project, the planning application noted. “ e proposed development is a sustainability-focused project that aims to promote sustainable solutions by integrating photovoltaic (PV) panels on-site. is approach not only helps
minimise the project’s carbon footprint but also ensures a reliable and cost-e ective energy supply for the dome’s operations”.
Ten conditions were attached to the granting of planning permission. ey included a development contribution fee of €33,696.00 to be paid to the Council and that opening hours shall be from 06:00 to 22:00 Monday to Friday and 08:00 to 20:00 on week-
ends and Bank Holidays. Planning fees of €6,819.20 were already paid by the developer to the Council in June 2023.
Uisce Éireann in a submission noted that a connection is already available supplying the existing facility and that they had no issue with an increase in capacity as envisaged by the new development.
No objections were raised by the Clare County Council Fire Authority in a submission by Chief Fire O cer, Adrian Kelly. Similarly, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) agged no issues in their submission.
Planet’s existing facility has been in operation since 2003 as a family recreation centre. e Planet Group con rmed to e Clare Echo that a €2m investment will be made in what they said will be “a state-of-the-art Planet Health Club”.
Two men arrested who drove into Garda car after series of burglaries in Killaloe
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
TWO men have been arrested following a number of incidents on the Clare and Tipperary border on Saturday including the attempted burglary of a chemist in Killaloe.
During a two hour window, two men carried out a series of burglaries at homes in Roscrea, attempted to rob a pharmacy in Killaloe and deliberately collided with a Garda car while under pursuit.
No members of An Garda Síochána were injured during the course of conducting the arrests which happened in Ballysimon, Co Limerick.
At approximately 4:20 on Saturday morning, Gardaí received a report of burglary at a residence in the Parkmore area of Roscrea, Co. Tipperary.
A number of items and a sum of cash were reported as stolen. A number of similar incidents have since also been reported in the Parkmore area.
Later at approximately 5:45am, Gardaí in Killaloe, Co. Clare responded to an attempted burglary of Green Cross Pharmacy on Convent Hill, Killaloe where it is understood no items were taken.
While in the course of responding to this incident, a vehicle deliberately collided with an o cial Garda patrol car.
Gardaí pursued the suspect vehicle at a safe distance into Ballina and
& Roscrea
towards Birdhill, where a number of items were subsequently thrown at the patrol car. e suspect vehicle proceeded onto the M7 motorway and continued to drive in a dangerous manner, travelling southbound in the northbound carriageway.
With assistance from the Limerick Armed Support Unit, the vehicle was brought to a stop on the Golf Links Road in Ballysimon, Co. Limerick. A number of items reported as stolen were recovered at the scene. e vehicle was seized by Gardaí and removed for technical examination.
Two men, aged in their 40s and 20s, were arrested at the scene and detained at a Garda station in the Clare/ Tipperary Division under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. An appeal for witnesses to come forward has been launched by Gardaí. Any persons who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) in the Roscrea, Co. Tipperary and Killaloe, Co. Clare areas between 3:00am and 6:00am are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí. In particular, Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the movements of a Laois (LS) registered black BMW 520 in these areas in the early hours of Saturday, 30th August 2025. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Nenagh Garda station on 067 50450, the Garda Con dential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
FROM SCREEN TIME TO SPLASH TIME
This autumn and winter, let them dive into something new. It’s the perfect way to keep the kids active, burn off that extra energy, and give you a well-earned breather too.
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Moy’s Joe Vaughan remembered as a legend who championed the underdog
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
MOY’S Joe Vaughan has been remembered as “a legend” and a man of character, determination and dedication.
In the early hours of Wednesday morning last, Joe died in a fatal house fire in Moymore, the cause of which An Garda Síochána are still investigating.
A stalwart of Moy GAA, Joe won a Junior Championship with the club in 1986, a title that would be Moy’s last until the Division 7 League win in 2012. He was the club’s honorary life president and was an inspiring figure to all involved with the tight-knit club.
Joe also made his mark in boxing and was the founder of the West Finglas Boxing Club in 1974.
During his thirty six years as a maths and business teacher in Coláiste Dhúlaigh, he discovered his passion for boxing. Under his guidance, students went on to win 36 consecutive City of Dublin VEC boxing titles. This
success led to his lifelong involvement with West Finglas Boxing Club, where he served as coach and later President, guiding young boxers to national titles. His commitment was not confined to the ring. He spearheaded fundraising efforts for the Dom Savio charity, raising over €1 million through the annual 24hour skipathon. Such was Joe’s standing in boxing circles that the likes of Katie Taylor, Andy Lee, Michael Carruth and Kenny Egan joined in year after year. As his coffin was brought to Saint Mary’s Church in Moy on Sunday evening, the pounding wind and rain as members of Moy GAA club provided a guard of honour reminded them all of the powerful figure they were there to remember. “I want to make a point about the weather last night and the rain, lord save us and guard us, the answer my friend is blowing in the wind. Do you know I was thinking, God almighty, I couldn’t get out of the car it was
so bad, I was thinking Joe was with us and so close to us in spirit, he let us know in no uncertain terms that he was here with that powerful pounding rain on the window,” remarked Fr Tommy Marrinan.
Born on a dairy farm in Moy More, Joe attended Moy National School and later CBS Ennistymon. “He was described as a placid child, his summers spent cutting turf, saving hay, and playing football for St Joseph’s Miltown from under-12s right up to minor,” his nephew Alan recalled. After school, Joe studied at UCD, graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce before completing his Higher Diploma at Maynooth. His teaching career began at Scoil Bríde in Finglas, before moving to Coláiste Dhúlaigh, where he would become a valued member of staff for close to four decades.
Among his colleagues was Bishop Donal Roche, the auxiliary bishop of Dublin. He told Monday’s funeral that three of Joe’s for-
mer colleagues in Coolock were in attendance. “I would like to express our gratitude to Joe’s family for giving him to us, he was so generous and he was as we said a legend. He tried to give everyone a job, if they couldn’t play football, he would get them to do water or bring the jerseys, if they weren’t so good he would bring them on for last five if we were sure we would win or lose, he always looked out for the weak. He had a great faith, regular trips to Knock, would always get mass cards signed for everyone he knew that died. Thanks to Joe for all you were and all you gave”.
Joe’s nephew Alan thanked the public for showing “incredible support” to the Vaughan family over the past week. He said he was honoured to speak about his uncle who was born on St Joseph’s Day (March 19th) 1950. “It was the year Seán T. O’Kelly was President, John A. Costello was Taoiseach, and, most remarkably, Mayo were All-Ireland champions which is something almost as rare as the man we are gathered to remember this evening”.
Alan noted that Joe was “a Moy man through and through” who was deeply respected by those who crossed his path and never showed the white feather. “Joe was never one to sit still. His weekly journeys from Dublin back to Moy were legendary. He also loved the
horse fairs, making regular trips to Spancilhill, Maam Cross, Buttevant and Smithfield. For him, those gatherings were about friendship, conversation and tradition.
“His devotion to Moy GAA was just as strong. His playing career began in 1965 and lasted over three decades. He captained Moy to our first county success in 1980, lifting the McNamara Cup when we won the league, and he played corner back in 1986 when Moy claimed the Junior B Championship. Even during lean years, Joe’s determination never wavered. He went to great lengths to ensure Moy always fielded a team, even bringing young lads down from Coolock to wear the green and white. Thanks to people like Joe, we still have a club today. That is why he was made our Honorary Life President, because he represented all that is good about Moy GAA and our parish,” he added.
Moy’s current team were often described by Joe as “the finest squad the club has ever produced. He attended matches and training sessions, and only recently was at our final session before the League Final win. Along with his great friend and teammate Mick Mac, Joe reminded the players what it means to represent Moy and how today’s victories will be remembered for generations. It is a mark of Joe’s standing that Moy
has received messages of condolence from near and far, including Clare GAA, his teaching colleagues and students, and even Crossmaglen GAA. Joe was loved, admired and respected by his family, his friends, his colleagues and his former students. He was an inspiration to many, and his memory will live on in the stories we tell and the lives he touched”.
Alan was confident the Moy juniors would carry Joe’s spirit with them in the knockout stages of the club championship.
“As his nephew, and as his friend, I will carry Joe with me always”.
Addressing Monday’s mass, Fr Marrinan said, “We gather with heavy hearts. We come together conscious of feeling the sadness of death and the sadness of parting but we’re a people of hope, it doesn’t all end there, to the faithful people your life has changed not ended”. He noted the remarks of Joe’s teaching colleagues in Dublin who were part of the priesthood and joined him on the altar, “They told me he was a legend, that is what they say, Joe was a legend”.
According to Fr Marrinan, the last person Joe thought about was himself. “What matters is how we lived and what difference did we make how we were in this world, how we helped our fellow human beings in whatever context or profession we worked, Joe made a huge dif-
ference, he touched people’s lives so powerfully, he had a great sense of his roots, he was down to his earth, listening to the Bishop and his colleagues they were telling me he was just a legend, he had huge time for the lad that was struggling, he always picked up on the fella or girl whoever had the struggle in life, whoever found it difficult and didn’t get the same opportunities that everybody else got, he empowered young people enormously, he enabled them and made them believe in themselves”.
Symbols brought before the altar included rosary beads as an ode to Joe’s deep faith and many hours spent in Knock, a mass card noting how he deeply he cared for others through his generosity and thoughtfulness, a book to acknowledge his teaching career, a Moy jersey to remember his lifelong dedication to the club and palpable passion for the GAA plus boxing gloves which was not just a sport but a vocation for Vaughan. Joe is deeply regretted by his sisters Mary Browne, Ann Roche and his brother Michael, brothers-in-law Pat and George, sisters-in-law Maireád and Anne, nieces Sinéad, Maria, Maireád, Rose Anna, nephews Alan, Peter. Oisín, Ciarán, Micheál, relatives, friends and neighbours.
Moy GAA provide a guard of honour for Joe Vaughan
Photo by Mrs Red Head Photography
Scattery Island Imagery Credit: Fáilte Ireland
11 Clare schools removed from Hot School Meals scheme
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
ACCESS to the State’s Hot School Meals scheme has been lost for eleven rural schools in Co Clare.
On Friday, ten schools in West Clare with a combined enrolment of 291 pupils were informed by The Lunch Bag, a Nenagh-based school meal supplier that the service was withdrawn with immediate effect.
Schools impacted include Scoil Iosef Naofa, Moy, Bansha NS, Carrigaholt Mixed NS, Clohanes NS, Connolly NS, Kilbaha NS, Moveen NS, Rineen NS, Rockmount Mixed NS and St Joseph’s NS Cree.
Subsequent to this Kilbaha NS has been withdrawn from the scheme with the amount of schools in Clare affected expected to rise.
A separate supplier has also written to 19 schools in Clare, Galway and Kerry stating that it can no longer provide the service, a move which has already resulted in the loss of one full-time and five part-time jobs.
Suppliers on Wednesday were issued with new guidance by the Schools Procurement Unit (SPU) on procurement procedures and
updated food safety regulations introduced by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) which has resulted in the cutbacks.
As part of the new rules, schools are no longer permitted to send food waste home for composting and must instead pay for daily waste removal. They must also designate a specific room for heating meals which requires architectural approval, ventilation systems, electrical upgrades, additional handwashing facilities and pest control measures. Meals can no longer be prepared in one school and delivered to another, and can only be provided under a “hot drop” system, where food cooked off-site must be consumed within two hours of heating. This severely restricts delivery routes and increases transport, staffing and overhead costs, particularly for suppliers.
Urgent action is needed by the Government said Clare TD, Joe Cooney (FG). “This has come as a bolt from the blue for schools. There was no advance notice of these changes and they appear to have caught everyone completely off guard. The current system was working well for schools and providers, but
the new guidance means many service providers would be forced to operate at a loss. No child should lose access to a hot meal just because they attend a smaller or rural school. Urgent
ing that it was only set up at the end of June. “I am told by suppliers that despite repeated requests from school meal providers, there has been very limited engagement with the working group on
Government action is now required”.
Deputy Cooney has also criticised the late establishment of a cross-departmental working group, which includes officials from the Department of Social Protection, the Department of Education, the FSAI, SPU, HSE and other agencies, not-
the delivery of the Government’s ambitious long-term School Meals Scheme targets,” he said. “This group should have been in place months ago when it was clear that new guidance was being developed. Instead, we now face the real risk that hundreds of schools will be left without access to hot meals”.
In a statement, the Department of Social Protection noted that the scheme was established “to ensure that children across Ireland have access to safe, nutritious meals during the school day” and was “a core Government commitment” to support the health, wellbeing and education of children. The statement said they are working to deliver “a solution to ensure affected schools will have access to school meals as soon as possible. We will continue to communicate with the schools and will advise them of their options this week”.
“The programme is designed so that meals are provided by contracted food business operators, with the responsibility for food safety and compliance with relevant legislative obligations placed on these professional providers and not on the schools themselves. This ensures children benefit from a reliable, high-quality service, while schools are protected from having to take on responsibilities more appropriate to the providers, who will have the necessary expertise and experience in food provision”.
According to the statement, the Department noted
that the recent refinements to the procurement system were developed by the Department of Education and Youth “strengthens the programme by ensuring consistent standards across all participating schools. They also reflect the combined input of several Government Departments and State agencies, ensuring that schools and providers operate safely and compliantly across areas such as food safety, health and safety, fire safety, and building regulations.
“While it is recognised that delivering meals to smaller or more remote schools may present challenges, the shared priority of all partners in the scheme must be that every child benefits from a service where the primary consideration is that the food they eat is safe, nutritious, and supportive of their learning. Practices that rely on untrained personnel to heat and distribute meals, or which do not maintain the required controls, place both schools and providers at risk of breaching long-standing legal obligations. The School Meals Programme cannot endorse arrangements that compromise food safety or consumer protection”.
Rineen NS is one of the Clare schools impacted.
Inch principal stands with staff on strike
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
A CLARE principal has publicly backed school secretaries and caretakers in their e orts to secure pension parity and access to sick and bereavement leave equivalent to their colleagues in the education sector.
Industrial action has entered its rst full week in Clare and across the county as secretaries and caretakers continue their ght to be classi ed as public servants by the Department of Education. With secretaries and caretakers marked ‘as lathair’ it has increased the workload on principals. At locations across the county, principals have joined their colleagues on the picket line in an act of solidarity but principal of Inch NS, Conor McKenna has gone a step further with his public backing for their cause and has highlighted the work of secretaries such as Carole Linnane.
He said, “We view the sta here as a team, it is a collective e ort...Carole is a very important member of that.
“Carole spends her days scrimping and scraping trying to nd pennys in everything we buy and order into the school, she does untold work papering over the cracks from underfunding at Department level, if anybody deserves a bit more money from the Department and the Government it is Carole and her colleagues”.
All sta are fully behind Carole in her actions, he con rmed. “We fully support Carole in her action and the other secretaries, Carole in many ways is the rst voice for people on the phone, she is the rst face people see during the school day when they come to the door”.
Speaking to e Clare Echo, the Miltown Malbay man noted that the return to school is always challenging but it has been more di cult with a strike thrown into the equation. “I’m a teaching principal so what is greeting me at the end of the day is an inbox of emails that have gone unanswered, calls that have to be returned, small things like that add up to make the burden of September a little bit greater”.
A dozen schools in Clare are no longer part of the Hot School Meals Scheme but Inch remains on the scheme, however their secretary Carole is tasked with organising the distribution of lunches. “Even today we had an issue with the delivery of lunches where we were le short with a few.”.
Value of school secretaries in education settings will become more and more obvious, the longer the strike continues, Conor outlined. “ e school has to function, the children have to learn, they are non-negotiable, the kids can’t be collateral damage in an industrial action but at the same time there’s certain things that only Carole does and that are her responsibility, the longer they go on the more people a ected”.
Secretaries prepared to stay on strike
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
VALUED MEMBERS of schools across Clare and the country feel “ignored” by the Government and Department of Education and will stay on strike as long as it takes, a Scari school secretary has insisted.
School secretaries and caretakers have been on strike since ursday a er talks at the Workplace Relations Commission failed to get them included on the Single Public Service Pension Scheme.
Scari woman Maureen Kelly has been the secretary at Scari National School for the past nine years. She was frustrated with how they’ve been treated di erently to their colleagues. “We’re just looking for parity, we’re more aware than anyone of how di erently were treated within the school system, we are the rst people you meet in a school, we’re working with all the di erent departments, the Department of Education, the payroll division of the Department of Education, the HSE for
vaccinations and dental appointments, we work with TUSLA, we work with them all but we’re not treated the same as the rest of the sta ”.
She continued, “We’ve 145 students, the school is also fed by two refugee centres, we’ve nineteen di erent nationalities and I don’t know how many di erent languages, we’ve extra supports for the non-English speaking, we’ve quite a big sta but even though the school numbers aren’t huge there is a lot of work involved”.
Work that Maureen is ordinarily responsible for will not be completed in her absence, she said. “ e others won’t be doing it, that is the whole point, it will be there and unfortunately it will still be there no matter how long this goes on and we’ll have to face into that when we go back but everyone is quite happy to stay out because the Government aren’t reaching out to us, they are trying to ignore us, we’re a small group of people, we’re not the demographic you would expect to strike”.
Speaking to e Clare Echo, Maureen admitted she was not surprised that they have been ignored. “I’m sure they all feel there
is more things going on but I also think there is a oodgate that could be opened, there is only
Workload will continue to rise
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
PRESSURE will mount on rural schools the longer industrial action continues with an increase in children getting sick adding a fresh headache to the mix.
With a strong sense of reluctance, secretaries and caretakers remain on the picket line in their effort to secure parity with their teaching and SNA colleagues when it comes to public service pensions, sick and bereavement leave schemes.
Clarecastle native Carole Linnane has been the secretary of Inch National School for five years. She
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
warned, “Our school is a small school, they are doing okay but I can see they are beginning to fray at the seams now. Calls are not being answered, kids are going to start getting sick next week - that is guaranteed once they are back - there will be nobody to ring home and nobody at the door to let them in so it’s all that stuff that is going to put a school under pressure. We’re only a five-teacher school with 104 students”. Threat of industri-
al action has been in the offing since before the holidays, she noted. “We voted before the holidays and they were given plenty of notice but still no engagement, it is definitely something that could be
will be nobody to sorted”.
Among her roles is sorting the deliveries from the Hot School Meals Scheme, a task she has continued to carry out. “On Monday, I was in the school three times because we had to go out to picket, come home, do the lunches, take
them out of the oven and all that, it is a lot and on Monday evening I was saying how much longer of this have we to do because it’s hard but we will keep doing it. I’ll keep doing it because the kids have to be fed.
“I love going into school, the kids were roaring and screaming yesterday because they hadn’t seen me, the new students in juniors don’t know who I am because I haven’t been there, even though I’m so involved in their paperwork and setting them up on the system and meeting their parents from day one, it is sad that we are missing out on all that but hopefully it won’t be for
much long more”. Support from the public is growing for their cause, Carole felt. “After Monday with the turnout at the schools and visiting the TD’s offices on Tuesday that they see this is something which is in the public eye and people want us to get a pension so hopefully it will be resolved quickly”. Not having the same pension as her colleagues is “very bad,” she said, “because we will only have the State pension, I’d love to have something that I can start paying into, I’m only part-time hours so my pension would be tiny but I would pay into it if I had the opportunity to”.
Pictured is Carole Linnane
‘We don’t want freebies, we want what we’re entitled to’
SCHOOL sectrectaries and caretakers are not looking for freebies and want to return to the job they love but are pleading for the Government to support them, an Ennis woman has said. Strike action continues in Clare and across the country with school secretaries pursuing public service pensions and entitlements enjoyed by their fellow school workers such as SNAs and teachers. School secretaries joined the centralised public payroll in 2023 and received pay improvements, but they are still excluded from the Single Public Service Pension Scheme which teachers and SNAs receive.
On Tuesday morning, secretary of Scoil Chríost Rí, Cloughleigh in Ennis, Pamela McCarthy and caretaker Keith Tynan were joined by teachers, SNAs and their principal on the picket line.
Pamela has been a central figure in the school for over two decades, working as the school secretary for fourteen years and prior to this she
spent eight years as an SNA in Cloughleigh.
Over 2,600 Fórsa members are calling for the Department of Education to classify them as public servants. “I think we’re entitled to a pension, we do the same work that a lot of civil servants do, I think we’re entitled to our pension,” Pamela said.
Public backing has been strong for their actions thus far, she noted. “We’ve had an amazing response, first of all from my colleagues here in Scoil Chríost Rí, they have been amazing and great support from day one, my principal, the teachers, SNAs and then from the wider public in general has been amazing, everyone is behind us, we haven’t met one person that is against us yet”.
Ennis woman Pamela is hopeful a resolution will be reached. “I’d hope the Government wake up and listen to us, we’re not looking for billions of euro, we’re not looking for anything free, we’re willing to pay into our pensions, it is to have parity with our colleagues”.
She told The Clare Echo “we’re here for the long-run” but remained hopeful their calls would
be listened to.
Secretaries do not have the same summer holidays as their colleagues as preparatory work for the academic year has to be completed. “We do work longer weeks in the summer, we don’t finish at the end of June, we finish in mid-July and we’re back in mid-August”. Engaging in industrial action and not carrying out their duties has been difficult, Pamela admitted. “I haven’t set foot in the school since last Thursday, there is no admin being done in the school at all. I want to be in school and with my colleagues, I want to be in doing the job I love, I want to be with the kids and helping to be part of their education”.
Political engagement so far has been “not bad,” she felt. “Overall it has been very positive but we need them to put pressure on the Government to bring about a resolution to this”.
“We’d really hope it would be resolved very quickly, it is not where we want to be, it is not our nature to be out here striking but we have strong resolve to get what we’re looking for and what we feel we’re entitled to,” Pamela concluded.
School secretaries on the picket line, Deirdre Madden, Barbara Kearns and Yvonne Enright
Inch NS principal Conor McKenna
says Scariff 's Maureen
2700 of us out on strike, we’re usually only one per school, we’re a very small
demographic and it will take a few days for the hits to be felt but it will because we’re one cog in a wheel but the wheel will stop turning at some stage”.
Standing on the picket line and away from their o ces has not been easy for the secretaries, Maureen agged. “It is not easy but I do think it is morally correct, we’re working for a public body doing public service work in a public service building, everything we do is for public service, we want to be treated the same as any other people doing public service work”.
Maureen said the strike will continue as long as secretaries and caretakers are ignored, “We’re prepared to stay out until the Government are willing to come and talk to us, nothing is going to happen overnight and we don’t expect that, it could take a long time but until they start talking we’re out and they didn’t try to meet us, we were having this strike
since the 10th of June and the rst meeting was the day before the schools were due to open which was the day before our strike, they ignored us for ten weeks during the summer, none of us want to do this but they had ample opportunity but they’ve just ignored us so we had to do this”.
She concluded, “Most of us have great support from our schools and from the other sta , a lot of the other sta wouldn’t have been aware that we weren’t on the same terms as them, I think the public in general are behind us. I hope the schools don’t close, I was personally disappointed that the SNAs closed a couple of schools, I didn’t like to hear that because education is very important, we love our jobs, we like what we do and we are good at what we do, we’d like to have parity with the rest of the school sta ”.
Blocked toilets & growing levels of rubbish in Clare schools without caretakers
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
BLOCKED toilets and growing levels of rubbish will be among the consequences of school caretakers remaining on a strike.
Tim Daly is the caretaker at the Holy Family National School and has been in the role for the past eight years. Since Thursday, he has been on strike with secretaries in the county as they seek access to the Single Public Service Pension Scheme which teachers and SNAs receive.
He joined with colleagues on the picket line outside the constituency office of Clare TD, Timmy Dooley (FF) on Tuesday morning with other pickets mounted outside the offices of Cathal Crowe TD (FF) and Joe Cooney TD (FG). Deputy Cooney took the approach of picking those who visited his office for coffee in Oly’s Bakery on Parnell Street.
the secretaries get paid by the Department of Education but they still have no gratuities or pensions, we’re looking for parity for caretakers and secretaries all over Ireland”.
He continued, “The pay for the secretary changed in 2022 when they were taken under the umbrella of the Department of Education, all they got was the pay, they didn’t get the gratuity or the pension
sence of a caretaker. “There’s a lot of stuff going wrong, there’s toilets being blocked, water being spilled, no toilet paper or hand towels, no bins going out so the rubbish is building up, anything that goes wrong they can’t ring, there’s always stuff that can go wrong in a school which is over sixty years old but at the moment nothing can be done to fix it”.
Explaining why he has gone on strike, Tim stated, “It is just to get parity with my work colleagues, they all get paid by the Department of Education, they all have their pension rights and gratuity rights, we have nothing, we get paid by the Board of Management even though
with it, they never brought the caretakers in under that umbrella, now we’re all together in the one fight”.
Speaking to The Clare Echo, the Ennis man who is a native of Co Cork detailed the impact to a school in the ab-
Work is where he would much prefer to be, “I’d rather be at work which is way nicer than standing here on the street looking for people to beep their horns. I’d hope that this week surely be to God there will be some sort of a resolution, we’ve targeted all of the TDs on Tuesday so hopefully they can get onto the Ministers and put on the pressure to see can something come out of this before the end of the week”.
“Since Monday we’ve got great support, in the school where I work a lot of the teachers, the principal and vice principal have all been out backing me the whole time, there’s no scarcity of support, everyone passing us is beeping and supporting us,” he added.
Rob O’Brien, caretaker of the Coláiste Mhuire with Tim Daly, Holy Family NS caretaker
Enright
Killaloe property up for sale with €1.4m price tag
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
A KILLALOE property has gone on the market for €1.4m.
Glen Abhann in Rahena More, Killaloe has been brought to the market by Harry Brann Auctioneers in the past week.
Set on a private 1.2 acre site, the property is described as an “outstanding architecturally-designed luxury lakeshore residence set in tranquil surroundings”.
With mature gardens overlooking Lough Derg and six kilometres from the town of Killaloe, the property also boasts its own
private harbour.
According to the selling agent, the four-bedroom property has been “presented to the market in pristine turn-key condition, the property offers the would-be purchaser the rare opportunity to experience the joys of lakeshore living at its best with the added bonus of an impressive private harbour”.
Features include oil-fired central heating, a private well and bio-cycle treatment system. It has a cut-stone entrance with wrought iron electric gates and a kerbed tarmacadam driveway.
Crowe rows in behind Jim Gavin to get Fianna Fáil nomination for Presidential election
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
CLARE TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) has nailed his colours to mast nominating Jim Gavin to become the Fianna Fáil candidate for the Irish presidency.
Fianna Fáil looks set to have an internal contest to determine who will be the party’s nominee for the Presidential election. A candidate will be selected by the parliamentary party of 71 ministers, TDs, senators and MEPs when they meet on Tuesday (September 9th).
The Clare Echo has been in contact with the party’s two TDs in Clare to see who they will be backing in the contest.
Ireland South MEP Billy Kelleher (FF) contacted members of the parliamentary party late last week seeking their support as he prepared to launch a run for the Arás.
Six-time All-Ireland winning manager of the Dublin footballers, Jim Gavin whose parents both hail from Co Clare is also seeking the party’s nomination.
Former Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern (FF) has not ruled out a Presidential bid and has expressed disappointment with the party leadership for not answering his questions over the past six months on whether they would support his candidacy. Former Minister for Education, Mary Hanafin (FF) on Sunday confirmed she be left on the bench for this contest despite previously expressing a desire to secure the Fianna Fáil nomination.
During Gavin’s term as Dublin manager they won a historic five in a row
in 2019, seven Leinster SFC titles, five National Football Leagues while prior to this as U21 boss the Dubs won three All-Ireland and Leinster championships under his tenure As a player, he was wing-forward on the team that won the 1995 All-Ireland title while he also won three Leinster championships and one National League. In 2019, he was nominated for the Freedom of Dublin City by Dublin City Council. He chaired the FRC which have been praised with revolutionising the game of gaelic football with the introduction of new rules this season.
Jim’s father Jimmy hailed from Cree and his mother Ann (neé Vaughan) was born in Moy. They moved to the capital not long after getting married when Ann was offered a teaching post there. Jimmy won a county championship with Cooraclare in 1964. The Gavin’s have strong family connections to Ballynacally also. His cousin is Sixmilebridge haulier, Eoin Gavin. The ex-Air Corp Commandant is current operations director for the Irish Aviation Authority.
An MEP since 2019, Kelleher has twice been elected to the European Union in Ireland South. A proven vote-getter, he was a TD from the Cork North-Central constituency from 1997 to 2019, during which time he was spokesperson on health and as Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment from 2007 to 2011. He was a Senator from 1993 to 1997 as the Taoiseach’s nominee.
In a statement, Deputy Crowe confirmed he was backing Jim Gavin as the party’s nominee. “Jim Gavin has over many years and in many varied roles (military, GAA, community activism, aviation, government taskforces and chairman of the Citizens’ Assembly) shown great leadership skills. If he opts to seek a Fianna Fáil nomination to contest this autumn’s presidential election he’ll have my full and unequivocal backing”.
Crowe referenced Jim’s strong links to the county, “Although synonymous with Dublin, Jim very much has Banner blood flowing through his veins”. He added, “I have let Jim know that I am in his corner and sincerely hope that he will seek to be on the ballot paper for the Áras in a few months time. Jim would make an outstanding president”. He welcomed Gavin to his constituency office in Ennis on Monday evening.
Junior Minister, Timmy Dooley (FF) told The Clare Echo, “I’ll await the process” to determine who he will support. The Mountshannon native is a close political ally of Kelleher. He later confirmed he would not publicly declare what way he was going to vote and noted that it would be a secret ballot.
Meanwhile, Heather Humphreys (FG) is the confirmed Fine Gael candidate after Ireland South MEP, Seán Kelly (FG) withdrew. Clare TD, Joe Cooney (FG) is reported to have given his backing to Humphreys prior
Prolong your summer garden with cuttings, perennials and grass plants
WELCOME September!
As the autumn starts to creep in and the we notice the change in temperature, there is lots to keep us busy in the garden.
With keeping on top of the deadheading and a clean of annuals owers and perennial with regular feeding and they will last till we get a frost.
I know some of the perennial like Rudbeckia and other daisy like perennials ower needs regular cutting dead owers o to keep owering going.
To increase some of your favourite Salvia now is time to take cuttings. Here’s how to do it:
Select a non- owering shoot about 10cm long and cut from the main part of the plant.
Penstemon is another perennial and pelargoniums are some favourites plants they should root reliably in autumn.
ese are just a few but there are lots more that can be divided or cuttings taken to increase the volume of perennial in beds or borders
Buxus has become a favourite to use as an edging or a border shrub around beds or patio it’s a lovely structured shrub slow growing and easy to maintain and gives a neat and tidy look to any area.
Grass plant in variety is a
favourite this time a year to use and look great in beds or borders, for me I love to use it in pots, window boxes give us a lovely texture and has ow and movement to a planter.
With a lovely selection of heathers and co-
lours coming in this week, we have lots of colours to choose from and mix with the viola and pansy give planter a fresh look for September.
e Cyclamen o er a range of colours and give a lovely show of colour adding in trailing ivy which has its own lovely colours.
It’s a great time to consider planting Spring bulbs we have a lovely selection arriving and from snowdrops to blue bells there are an array of da odils to choose from. So weather its to add to last year collection or plant under trees now is a good time. Happy planting and gardening for the ahead.
Alex opens ‘Believers’ for adults with learning difficulties
by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie
A NEW service for adults with GLD (general learning difficulties) has opened its doors in Ennis.
Ennis-based special education teacher Alexandra Fitzpatrick will open Believers at Clare Education Centre this Saturday for the first time, giving adults with learning difficulties an outlet to personally flourish and further their education.
Alexandra has worked as a special ed teacher at St Clare’s School in Ennis for the last 17 years. Her experience as a teacher has shaped her desire and ambition to open her own educational facility while her 14-year-old daughter Emilie, who has a dual diagnosis of Down Syndrome and autism, is Alexandra’s driving force and inspiration.
Alexandra, better known as Alex, told The Clare Echo that she is excited to support the development of adults while also giving parents of adults an outlet of support.
Believers will offer students an option of 2-hour or 4-hour timeslots every Saturday, with parents given the option to sign their children up for weekly or fortnightly attendance.
Explaining the ethos behind Believers, she said, “I believe in education, I believe in further education, which should be available to everyone interested. We believe in our clients, students, learners, that they
can continue their learning journey regardless of their age. Also, they will believe in us that we can actually do it, that we can achieve certain goals together.”
She continued, “My child is growing, she’s nearly 15. Children have some supports and respite but when we reach those milestones in terms of entering adulthood, then there is a question mark. Do our children really get the support and get the education that they need?
“So, bearing that in mind, I came up with the idea of opening Believers. And there are two reasons for that. The first one is that parents highlighted they would like to do more for their child, their adult child now, they would like to do more in terms of educational activities. The other side is the well-being of parents who need a break.
“Parents certainly deserve to do something for themselves, whether it’s having a cup of tea or whether it’s meeting with a friend or going for a haircut or just having those two hours or four hours to go to a shop and not be worrying about anything else or anybody else.”
Following a successful open day last Saturday, the first classes will be held this coming Saturday starting at 10:30am. Alex has lived in Ireland for more than 20 years. Originally from Poznan in Poland, she was educated in Poland where she obtained a Master’s Degree
after completing a five-year course devoted to special education.
Having done research for her Master’s in Ireland Alex carried out work experience in St Joseph’s in Galway. “What happened was that over the second summer I was staying here, I got a job and I just didn’t return,” laughs Alex. “I said to Mom I would return a few months later, 20 years later and I’m still here!”
Alex has also completed a course in Applied Behaviour Analysis in Trinity, worked in
Ábalta School in Galway and in a special preschool in Galway before progressing to St Clare’s in Ennis. She conducted varied trainings across the country for both professionals and parents.
Alex commutes to Ennis every day from south County Galway with her two teenage daughters, Emilie and Sophie, who attends Colaiste Mhuire. “I mainly work with people with autism and Down Syndrome with moderate and severe range of learning difficulties.
er because I have a much bigger understanding of parents of kids and people with special needs. It’s a completely different perspective.”
“When I started, I didn’t know that I would have a child with special needs myself at some stage. So that’s another step in my career that I had to look through the lens of not only a teacher but also a parent, which was not easy because it’s one thing to sign up for teaching and it’s another thing to sign up as a parent of a child with special needs. I had to reevaluate certain things in my head and started to look at my career differently.
“Some people might say I have become a different teach-
Alex is encouraging parents to contact her for a consultation to determine if Believers is a good fit for their child. She adds that classes will encompass the specific needs of each student from social development, to wellbeing, music and more, depending on their interests and needs.
Believers will also reserve two emergency places each week, where a learner can be dropped off for classes, for a maximum of 4 hours any Saturday to enable the family to deal with any occurring problems.
Call Alex on 089 491 8876 or email believers.ennis@gmail. com for more information.
PICTURED: Alex, her daughter Emelie, and other visitors at the Believers Open Day last Saturday.
Photos by Tom Micks
Shannon Airport giving away 80 flights during month of September
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
TO MARK the eightieth anniversary of the first scheduled commercial transatlantic passenger flight landing at Shannon Airport, a giveaway of eighty flights to destinations around the world has been launched.
Running throughout the month of September, the giveaway has forty pairs of return flights up for grabs each day from all routes at Shannon Airport. Destinations include Madrid, Barcelona, Lanzarote, Paris, New York and Frankfurt.
All entrants will also be in with a chance of winning the master draw which gives the chance to win one of three grand prizes, flights to San Francisco, Las Vegas and Orlando courtesy of easy onward connection from Shannon via New York-Newark.
On October 24th 1945, the first scheduled, commercial, transatlantic passenger flight landed at Shannon Airport. ‘Ready Jet Go’ is the giveaway of eighty flights commemorating eight decades of global connection from Shannon. More anniversary celebrations are to be announced in the coming weeks.
Commercial Director at the Shannon Airport Group, Vanessa McTigue stated, “Shannon Airport has always been about connection not just across oceans, but between partners, passengers and communities. As we commemorate 80 years of connection across the Atlantic, our ‘Ready, Jet, Go’ giveaway is our way of celebrating this important milestone with our customers. Whether it’s a romantic escape to Paris, a reunion in New York, sunshine on the Costa del Sol, or a dream adventure to San Francisco, Las Vegas or Orlando, we’re giving people a fun chance to jet off on us”. Sarah Slattery known as The Travel Expert will be sharing holiday inspiration, destination guides, and insider tips throughout the campaign.
To enter visit Shannon Airport’s social media channels daily from 4th to 30th September to access the digital scratch card, enter your name and e-mail, then ‘Scratch’ by swiping a finger across your mobile phone screen to reveal if you’re a lucky winner! For full details, terms and conditions, go to www.shannonairport. ie/competition.
Footpath to Ballycasey craft centre to be considered for capital works
by
A FOOTPATH linking Ballycasey Avenue with Ballycasey Craft Centre has been sought.
In a proposal before the Shannon Municipal District, Cllr Tony Mulcahy (FG) requested the installation of the infrastructure.
Senior executive engineer in the Shannon MD, Tom Mellett explained, “Shannon Municipal District will include this proposed footpath for consideration in future capital works”.
Cllr Mulcahy in response noted, “I am happy with the reply, if we get the money we will do it”. Cllr Michael Begley (IND) seconded the proposal.
l
lGIVEAWAY: Sarah Slattery, The Travel Expert, and Vanessa McTigue, Commercial Director of The Shannon Airport Group launch the Shannon Airport “Ready, Jet, Go” mega giveaway which runs from September 4 to 30, celebrating 80 years of transatlantic flight
Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
FOOTPATH: Ballycasey Avenue
Photo by: Joe Buckley
Liscannor ladies football team preparing for the season at Lahinch Leisure Centre
LAHINCH Leisure Centre is proud to welcome the Liscannor Ladies Football Team, who are making great use of the facilities for both training and recovery.
The team has been working hard in preparation for the season ahead, and Lahinch Leisure Centre are delighted to support them in their journey.
The Leisure Centre and it’s employees are especially proud of their very own staff member, Ella, who not only works with in the Leisure Centre but also plays with the Liscannor Ladies and was a member of this year’s County Clare under 16’s team. At just 16 years old, Ella is already showing great commitment to both her sport and her community.
Speaking about teamwork in Gaelic football, Ella believes the most important quality is having a positive attitude, which makes training “a lot more enjoyable.” She added that good communication is also key, as it helps reduce mistakes and allows teammates to anticipate each other’s actions.
On how the players of the Liscannor Ladies Football team support one another, Ella explained:
“We encourage each other through the sessions, and because all the girls are always really moti-
vated, it makes it easy.”
Ella also shared how playing football has benefited her personally.
“It keeps me physically fit and gives me something to do in the evenings or on days off from working in the Leisure Centre. It takes
my mind off school, gives me a break, and allows me to make friends — whether it’s with girls from my own team or from other teams we play against. It also keeps my coordination in check.”
The facilities at Lahinch Leisure
Centre have played a vital role in supporting women’s sport and local community teams.
“They are hugely important. If I miss a session, I can go to the gym to work out or run instead. It also means I have a place to continue
strength and conditioning training after sessions. The pool and sauna are great for recovery too,” Ella said. When asked what it’s like working at the Leisure Centre while also seeing her teammates use the facilities, Ella said she feels “really proud.”
Lahinch Leisure Centre are committed to supporting local sport and the development of young athletes like Ella. The Leisure Centre looks forward to cheering on the Liscannor Ladies as they continue to train hard and represent the community with pride.
To help with teaching the young community about health and fitness, Lahinch Leisure Centre have launched a new fitness timetable that includes a Teen Hyrox class, proudly sponsored by Clare Sports Partnership. Hyrox includes functional movements and running. It features a unique hybrid style race format where participants complete 8 functional exercises followed by a run. This sport emphasises strength, endurance and speed making it accessible to a wide range of athletes. That’s why Lahinch Leisure Centre have tailored this class to fit teens from 16 to 19 years old. Scan the QR code to find out more about Teen Hyrox.
lLISCANNOR LADIES: Ella employee at Lahinch Leisure Centre and Liscannor Ladies football player
North Clare
Additions of Ennistymon & Fanore stops can strengthen Burren explorers in 2026
by Paraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
ENNISTYMON and Fanore’s inclusion is among the big learnings for the pilot Burren and Cliffs of Moher Explorer shuttle bus to take on board if it is to become a long-term success in North Clare.
On Saturday, the free hopon hop-off shuttle bus service concluded its pilot run which lasted from the beginning of May until the end of September. It was a joint initiative of Clare County Council and the National Parks and Wildlife
Service (NPWS), supported by Fáilte Ireland. Ballyvaughan, Corofin, Carran, Kilfenora, Doolin, Liscannor, and Lahinch were among the stops for the Explorer with Lisdoonvarna and Miltown Malbay serving as the key hubs where parking was available. The service linked to key attractions in North Clare such as the Burren National Park, the Cliffs of Moher Experience, Aillwee Burren Experience, Poulnabrone Dolmen, Michael Cusack Heritage Centre, The Burren Visitor Centre, and Caherconnell Stone Fort
lSHUTTLE BUS: Left to right: Cllr Shane Talty (Chair, Tourism Development SPC); Malachy Corcoran (National Parks and Wildlife Service); Siobhan McNulty (Director of Tourism Development, Clare County Council); Cllr. Rita McInerney (Cathaoirleach, West Clare MD); Siobhan King (Fáilte Ireland); Carmel Kirby (Interim CEO, Clare County Council); William Cormacan (NPWS); and Geraldine O’Rourke (General Manager, Clare Tourism West)
by: Eamon Ward
and Sheepdog Demonstrations.
Exact detail on the amount of service users during the three-month period has not been collated, a spokesperson for Clare County Council confirmed. “The data has not been fully correlated as yet, but details will be available in due course,” a spokesperson for the local authority told The Clare Echo.
Cllr Shane Talty (FF) previously criticised the manner in which the shuttle bus bypassed Ennistymon. “The issue I have is and it is particular to Ennistymon not being on the service. To my mind it is the first tourism product launch led by Clare County Council that produces an illustrated map of North Clare and Ennistymon is not on the map, I support 100% trying to spread the benefit but it is an own goal”. He added, “We have a neon sign in Inagh encouraging visitors to turn left, after twenty five years of failing to deliver on Blake’s Corner and improve accessibility, solution now seems to be we have an outer bypass in Inagh”.
Speaking to The Clare Echo this week, Cllr Talty stressed the importance of crunching the data to determine how the shuttle bus can be made bigger and better next season. “The feedback from several
communities and in particular small business operators in accommodation and visitor attractions have given positive feedback. It is critical that clear data be circulated on each particular route and that consultation take place to allow for learnings and changes for 2026 to build on the progress of this initiative”.
According to Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG), both Ennistymon and Fanore need to be added as stops next year. “We need to take on board all the learnings and feedback to ensure it is even better and will continue beyond 2026. Integrating this with the great new routes by Local Link and Bus Eireann linking to and from North Clare along with getting each unique story and experience across our towns and villages, attractions fully ready and aligning for 2026 is critical work now needed. My longheld view is that pre-booking from key hubs and locations to the Cliffs of Moher will be necessary to make this a success with some charge for the shuttle service. Consideration of how to include Ennistymon, Fanore and other key routes for 2026 is also required”. Importance of the service in bringing extra football to towns and villages to support small businesses was flagged by Cllr Garrihy.
UL sports scholar graduates
West Clare
Works in Miltown Malbay increasing speeding level
by Paraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
RECENT improvements to the road surface leading to Miltown Malbay is leading to more speeding in the locality, a senior engineer has flagged.
An appeal for the erection of school awareness signage for children crossing the five cross roads at the junction for Annagh, Miltown Malbay, Quilty, Mullagh and Spanish Point directions was tabled by Cllr Michael Shannon (FF).
Senior executive engineer in the West Clare Municipal District, Alan Kennelly in
response to the motion stated, “The default speed limit on all local roads was recently reduced from 80 kmh-1 to 60 kmh-1, which should help with reduce driver speed in the area”.
He advised that drivers are going faster in Miltown Malbay following recent works.
“The recent watermain replacement works on the L-2092 (leading to Miltown Malbay) led to the road being (in effect) widened and resurfaced, so cars may be inclined to pick up a little too much speed on the road. I will ask our roads technician to review existing signage in the area and erect additional
warning signage for the Crosses of Annagh junction if necessary and appropriate”.
Speaking at a meeting of the West Clare MD, Cllr Shannon commented, “this is just down the road from me, we have our roads programme and how effective it is at the moment, it is about improving the quality of road in all directions and erecting signage to slow down cars. They have a safe route to school, you’ve to cross the thoroughfare, it is about making drivers aware and slow down cars for children crossing the road, some families are blessed with a lot of children, they’re afraid that one could go ahead and
then another and then cross the road when cars are coming”.
Seconding the proposal, Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) said, “one area where we’d hope to get the funding is to keep schools safe as possible. We are highlighting where the issues are, this is a product of the new surface which means people go faster”.
John O’Malley, senior executive officer in the West Clare MD acknowledged, “I am very aware of the area and the turn by the Mullagh side, it is a very dangerous turn”. He confirmed the Council would assess the existing signage.
Photo
lGRADUATION Sabhbh Edwards Murphy from Kilrush, County Clare, a UL Sports Scholar, and rish Basketball International, pictured at her graduation from University of Limerick today. Sabhbh graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Sport and Exercise Sciences. She joined one of over 3,600 students being conferred as part of the university’s Autumn conferring ceremonies today.
Photo by: Brian Arthur
Bodyke hurler recovering after head injury which forced abandonment of game
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
A BODYKE hurler is recovering a er sustaining a head injury which forced the abandonment of their intermediate championship tie with Whitegate on Friday evening.
Scari was the venue for the fourth round clash between Bodyke and Whitegate in the TUS Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship on Friday evening.
With an approximate twenty four minutes played in the game, the match was abandoned a er Bodyke’s Éanna Doyle sustained a head injury. In what was an accidental collision, his head is understood to have made contact with the knee of a Whitegate player.
Referee Joe Mullins made the decision to abandon the contest during the wait for emergency services to arrive in Scari . Twenty ve minutes had been played with Whitegate holding a 1-5 0-6 advantage at this stage.
Fortunately, local medics including Dr Michelle McNamara and Catherine Skelly were on scene and able to assist while Éanna was in and out of consciousness over the
course of an hour and a half on the pitch.
One ambulance arrived on scene at 20:15 in Scari and a call was also made to the Irish Coast Guard to assist with the Killaloe unit deployed.
Based at Shannon Airport, the search and rescue helicopter landed in Scari at 20:35. Éanna was placed into the helicopter at 20:50 and it took ight at 20:53. From
here, he was transported to University Hospital Limerick (UHL) for further treatment He returned home to Bodyke on Saturday morning and is recovering well at home.
Dr Daly Park in Tulla was the venue for the re xture which took place on Tuesday evening where Whitegate prevailed on a score of 1-20 0-19 in an exciting game.
Half-Time Battle
Charity Poker Classic
THE ANNUAL Poker Classic is returning to Sixmilebridge. e fundraiser taking pace in Glesson’s Bar on friday September 5 at 9pm is in aid of Crumlin Hospital. e entry fee is €50 with no buybacks. Check in before 9pm for a bonus chip. For more info contact P.J. on 086 0579054
Young hurlers from Killanena and Tulla in action in Bodyke on Sunday at half-time during the club’s meeting in the Clare Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship
Photograph by: Gerard O’Neill
HEAD INJURY: Ambuance and Coast Guard in Scariff
New legal challenge for €10m Supermac’s Plaza
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
A FRESH hurdle has been placed in the way of the planned October opening of the Supermac’s Plaza on the outskirts of Ennis.
Campaign group Friends of the Irish Environment are seeking a judicial review over Uisce Éireann’s recent connection agreement for the Supermac’s Plaza at junction 12 of the M18 at Kilbreckan in Doora.
Should Friends of the Irish Envionment succeed with their legal action, it could plunge developments all over Ireland into doubt unless major improvements are made to the sewage infrastructure nationwide.
Over €10m has already been invested by Supermac’s in the plaza, construction commenced at the beginning of May with recruitment underway for the 120 jobs that will be created for its planned October opening.
Supermac’s have said the legal challenge “undermines the integrity of the planning system” and that the plaza has already been “one of the most intensely scrutinised planning applications ever brought forward in the region”.
In its statement outlining its reasons for mounting the court action against Uisce Éireann, Friends of the Irish Environment said it wants to prevent a legal precedent where “overloaded plants are allowed to take more waste”, putting Irish rivers at risk.
Clareabbey’s wastewater
treatment plant is already “overloaded,” the group argued. Friends of the Irish Environment, which is represented by seasoned environmental regulation rm Fred Logue Solicitors, has included the Attorney General among the defendants to the case because of the potential national implications of the challenge.
Tony Lowes, director of Friends of the Irish Environment, said, “Our case is simple. Irish Water must not connect new developments to a sewage plant when it cannot legally treat the waste. e people and our rivers deserve better”.
As well as the Attorney General, McDonagh and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have been named as notice parties to the case.
Supermac’s in a statement to e Clare Echo outlined, “Supermac’s notes with concern the proposed judicial review by Friends of the Irish
Environment regarding the connection agreement with Irish Water for the new Plaza at Junction 12 on the M18.
“ is project has already been the subject of detailed consideration and a full judicial review. In September of last year, the High Court rejected similar arguments and con rmed the decisions of Clare County Council and An Bord Pleanála. e judgement noted that there was no evidence to support the suggestion that the treated water from the Plaza would adversely a ect the output from the Clareabbey treatment plant. e Plaza at Junction 12 is one of the most intensely scrutinised planning applications ever brought forward in the region. Over the past ten years, it has been the subject of countless environmental and planning assessments, reviewed in detail by the relevant authorities, and ultimately con rmed by the High Court”.
Record enrolment and top results for Ennis schools
by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie
ENNIS Community College has welcomed 120 first-year students this week, its largest intake ever.
Students will benefit from modern facilities, including a sports hall, science labs, technology rooms, and Ennis’s only Engineering course. A new partnership with Éire Óg GAA has also redeveloped a nearby pitch.
Last year, the school staged a sell-out run of The Addams Family at Glór Theatre and Leaving Certificate students secured excellent results, with most gaining university places. The school’s Open Night takes place on Tuesday, 14 October 2025, at 7pm.
Gaelcholáiste an Chláir also welcomed its new first years. Following the 2025 Leaving Certificate, 85% of students achieved over 400 points. Mr O’Shaughnessy credited their success to student effort, teacher commitment, and the advantages of Irish-medium education.
All Junior and Leaving Certificate subjects, from Biology and Chemistry to Music and Business, are taught through Irish. Small classes and strong teaching standards support both Gaelscoil graduates and students from English-medium schools. The Gaelcholáiste Open Night will also be held on 14 October 2025 at 7pm.
NOTES
Blood Donations
THE Irish Blood Transfusion Service is urging people across the county to donate blood. Donation Clinics will be open in Ennis and Scariff next week.
Scariff GAA Hall
September 9 4:50pm – 8:10pm Ennis West County Hotel
September 10 & 11 4:50pm – 8:10pm
Please phone 1800 222 111 for appointment
Ennis phishing scam under investigation
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
GARDA INVESTIGATIONS are underway into a phishing scam in Ennis.
Members of the public are being advised to be extra vigilant and not to give out their nancial details over the phone.
Ennis Gardaí are investigating a phishing scam or a fraud incident, whereby the injured party received a text message purporting to be from their bank, stating that a standing order had been approved, and if they hadn’t authorised this standing order then to ring a number given.
Sergeant Edel Burke told urged the public to “make themselves aware of how their own bank deals with cases of fraud or suspicious activity on their account so that they know if it is actually.”
“If you are unsure and need more advice, call into your local bank and ask to speak to an advisor. You can also ring your banks fraud section 24 hours a day to report suspicious transactions on your account,” she added.
Swim for Gaza at Ballyala Lake
The Ballyalla Bravehearts swimmig group are hosting a swim for Gaza at Ballyalla Lake on Sunday September 7 at 12 noon.
All are encouraged to join in, whether to swim, to dip a toe in or stay on dry land and join for a cuppa.
The Ballyalla Bravehearts are a year-round group of social swimmers who probably do as much chatting as swimming. The Swim for Gaza event is a great opportunity to try out a dip in the lake with plenty of support if you haven’t already tried it. Tea/coffee will be provided. Donations are appreciated and will be sent to UNICEF Ireland Gaza Fund.
Media Literacy Course
De Valera Libraray are hosty a media Literacy Course on National Literacy Day. The event will take place on Tuesday september 9 in the De Valera Library from 6:30pm-7:30pm The coure will cover taking on digital disinformation facilitated by Aidan O’Brien from the European Digital Media Observatory. For bookings email your name and contact details to: ennislibrary@clarecoco.ie.
The Order of the Knights of St.
Columbanus annual retreat
THE ORDER of the Knights of St. Columbanus will be hosting its annual men’s retreat on September 20.
The retreat titled “Jesus I trust you- the starting point for spiritual growth” offers a chance for reflection and a break from daily strife. The retreat is open to all, the organisation welcomes “all men seeking spiritual guidance and growth” to join the retreat.
The Order of the Knights of St. Columbanus is a founding member of the International Alliance of Catholic Knights, which has approximately 2.5 million Brothers worldwide. Their activities include Spiritual Formation, Community Involvement, and Youth Engagement, which support youth initiatives such as the John Paul II awards and charitable works.
The Order is organised into local branches called Councils, grouped into twelve regions. The organisations area covers Limerick, Clare (Killaloe), Tipperary (Cashel and Emly) dioceses. The members help in the upkeep and sanctity of their faith by helping at masses and church events, and facilitating visits of sacred relics with honour guards and processions. The order has been instrumental in bringing relics of venerable Matt Talbot, Saint Bernadette of Lourdes and the statue of our Lady of Fatima to Limerick, Clare and Tipperary. The local Limerick council, CK90, meets on the second Wednesday of each month. The meeting takes place at the Limerick diocesan centre at St Munchin’s College, Corbally, Limerick.
Ennis
Clarinbridge & Marconi Men’s Shed in Clifden represent Galway in Pride of Place awards
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
GALWAY’S nominations for the 2025 IPB Pride of Place Awards have been selected with Clarinbridge and Clifden flying the flag.
Clarinbridge has been selected as the community representative with the Marconi’s Men Shed in Clifden also put forward by Galway County Council for the all-island competition that recognises excellence in community development.
Pride of Place judges will visit both areas on September 11 and 12 ahead of the Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony on November 7 at the Strand Hotel in Limerick.
Organised by peacebuilding charity Co-operation Ireland and sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place awards celebrate the voluntary efforts of community groups that improve their local areas through collaboration and dedication. Now in its 23rd year, the programme highlights projects that strengthen towns and villages
€5,000
across Ireland. County Galway has a strong history in the competition, with Kinvara Tidy Towns and Williamstown named runners-up in their categories at last year’s awards ceremony in Monaghan. The county’s most recent overall category winner was Creggs Rural Development Group in 2023, which won in the Climate Action & Biodiversity category for its work promoting and enhancing biodiversity in north Galway.
donated
by Dearbhla Parry
A TUAM man who was left paralysed eight years ago completed a 640km cycle to raise money for Down Syndrome Ireland.
Eight years after a life-changing spinal injury that left him paralysed from the waist down, Conor O’Dea proved that life can be rebuilt with resilience, teamwork, and community spirit. 64-year-old O’Dea and his carer, Paula O’Keefe, took part in a four-day 640km cycle in August. As part of the Tour de Munster, now in its 25 th year, they travelled through six Munster counties alongside 120 other cyclists. He completed the event using a specially designed tricycle, but has previously completed the race twice pre-injury. Bluebird Care sponsored O’Dea
Clarinbridge is a coastal village in South Galway known for its oysters, food, community spirit, and welcoming atmosphere. The Clarinbridge Tidy Towns group, established in 1979, works to enhance the physical and social environment of the village and surrounding areas.
The Marconi Men’s Shed serves Clifden and the surrounding areas and is the first men’s shed in Ireland established exclusively by male
family carers. In partnership with FORUM Connemara CLG, the group secured premises where members retrofitted four outbuildings, combining two as a workshop and two for storage. The shed has more than 50 members aged between 43 and 85 who meet twice weekly.
They are involved in projects such as gardening in onsite polytunnels and woodturning in the workshop. The group also promotes health and wellbeing through activities including Tai Chi and mindfulness courses, healthy eating programmes, physical activity sessions, and smoking cessation workshops. Many members have reported improvements in their physical and mental health as a result.
Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, Councillor David Collins (FG), said, “We are very proud to have the Marconi Men’s Shed in Clifden and the community of Clarinbridge representing Galway in this year’s Pride of Place awards.”
Free self-protection & defence classes begin for women
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
FREE self-protection and defence classes for women in Galway begin next week.
Presented by Black Dragon Kickboxing Certified Personal Trainer and Instructor, Pete Foley, participants will learn practical techniques to boost confidence, situational awareness, and self-protection skills.
‘Come and Try’ sessions will take place on Monday 8 and Friday 12 September, with the full course running every Friday from 19 September to 24 October, in The Bungalow, Walter Macken Road.
For more information, or to register, contact CandC@ GalwayCity.ie or (091) 536 400. This course is funded by Healthy Galway City and Galway Sports Partnership. This programme is funded by Healthy Galway City and supported by Galway Sports Partnership. Come and Try Sessions will take place on: Monday 8 September, 11am-12pm, Friday 12 September, 7:30pm-8:30pm The full course will take place on: Session 1: Friday 19 September, 7.30 pm - 8.30 pm, Session 2: Friday 26 September,7.30 pm - 8.30pm, Session 3: 3 October, 7.30 pm - 8.30 pm, Session 4: Thursday 9 October, 7.30 pm -8.30 pm, Session 5: Friday 17 October 7.30pm - 8.30pm, Session 6: Thursday 23 October, 7.30pm - 8.30pm.
Location: Classes will take place in The Bungalow, Suaimhneas, Walter Macken Road, Mervue, H91 D25W.
Meanwhile, Galway Black Dragon Kickboxing Gym operated by Foley havs recently moved to a new location. The new gym is now located upstairs in 19B, Briarhill Business Park, Ballybrit, Galway. H91 X2E2. The club are delighted to announce they are taking on new Junior and Senior Members. A new course for Junior Boys & Girls aged seven to twelve years will commence on Saturday 6th September at 1pm and a new course for Adults & Teenagers will commence on Thursday 11 September at 6.30pm. Please contact Head Coach Pete Foley by calling, text or WhatsApp to 087 8119227 for full information.
to Tour de Munster: “Life doesn’t end after injury”
through this achievement and offered him home care services.
O’Dea said, “The €5,000 donated by Bluebird Care goes directly to Down Syndrome Ireland, a cause that means so much to me. The money raised will make a difference, but just as important is the message: life doesn’t end after injury, it changes, and it can still be lived to the full.”
Bluebird Care has been providing home care in Ireland since 2007. With 26 offices nationwide, it delivers nurse-led, regulated services for older adults, people with disabilities, long-term conditions, and children with complex needs. CEO of Bluebird Care Ireland, Mark McInerney, said, “We are proud to support Conor and Paula’s fundraising for Down Syndrome Ireland. This donation is our way of
acknowledging the resilience and community spirit that make achievements like this possible.”
The handover recognised the dedication of Down Syn-
drome Ireland’s volunteers and families, who remain at the heart of the Tour de Munster’s fundraising success.
Supporters gathered in
Limerick to watch the donation and celebrate O’Dea and O’Keefe’s journey and the wider legacy of the Tour de Munster.
O’Dea’s story has helped
raise over €200,000 for charities including Down Syndrome Ireland, Spinal Injuries Ireland, Millimetre 2 Mountains, Challenged Athletes Foundation, Greenmount Cycling Academy, and the Tour de Munster Charitable Foundation.
“This summer has been unforgettable. Paula and I set out to show what’s possible with the right support, and the backing we’ve had from Bluebird Care, family, friends, and the wider community has been overwhelming”, said O’Dea. O’Keeffe added, “For me, it was about showing that with care, encouragement, and a bit of stubbornness, anything is possible. Seeing Conor back on the road and being part of this fundraising effort for Down Syndrome Ireland has been incredible.”
lPRIDE OF PLACE: Clarinbridge tidy towns
lBLUEBIRD: L- R Paula O’Keeffe, Director Bluebird Care, Limerick. Jonathon Gardner, CEO Bluebird Care Ireland, UK and International, Conor O’Dea, Mark McInerney, COO Bluebird Care Ireland, Gerard Hartnett, Director Bluebird Care Limerick, Ritchie Walsh and Ellen Tuffy, Down Syndrome Limerick.
World Suicide Prevention Day 2025
WORLD Suicide Prevention Day falls on Wednesday, 10 September this year, and is a global public health day raising awareness and understanding about suicide prevention.
Changing the Narrative on Suicide – the theme for 2025 – is re ected in the HSE’s national strategy to reduce suicide, ‘Connecting for Life’. Suicide is a serious global public health issue, with over 700,000 lives lost each year. Its impact extends far beyond the individual, deeply a ecting families, communities, and societies at large.
e theme of Changing the Narrative on Suicide is about transforming how we perceive this complex issue. It calls on people, communities, organisations and government to foster open, honest conversations about suicide. It’s about shi ing from a culture of silence and lack of understanding to one of openness, empathy and support. Changing the Nar-
rative means understanding that suicidal thoughts and feelings are a sign of immense pain and distress but talking about suicidal thoughts does not increase their presence or occurrence. It means lis-
tening without judgment, o ering support and guiding people towards help. We know that an increased focus on suicide can be overwhelming for people with a lived or living experience of suicide. World Suicide Prevention Day is a day dedicated to raising awareness, fostering change and providing support and understanding. If you or someone close to you, needs support but doesn’t know where to start, there are plenty of online supports and resources available on hse.ie under our mental health services and supports section.
e ve key messages we are sharing with our patients, service users, colleagues and the people of the Mid West region this year are:
1. Reach Out and Check In
– Take time to connect with people around you. A simple check-in can bring hope and make a real di erence.
2. Your Words Matter –Speak with kindness and empathy when talking about suicide. Everyone a ected –whether they’ve lost someone or struggled themselves – deserves dignity and respect.
3. Be Safe Online – Share information about suicide or self-harm responsibly and supportively. Help create a safer, more sensitive online space for everyone.
4. Let’s Talk About Suicide
– Build your suicide prevention skills. Learn how to spot signs and support someone –you could help save a life. To enrol and complete Let’s Talk About Suicide, visit traininghub.nosp.ie.
5. Know Where to Get Help
– Familiarise yourself with local and national supports and services. Knowing where to turn can make a meaning-
ful di erence.
For more information visit: https://www2.hse.ie/
mental-health/services-support/supports-services/#general-mental-health-supports-and-services
Life can be tough and at times. Anyone of us can feel under pressure, overwhelmed and need some support - and that’s nothing to be ashamed of.
Samaritans are here for you, your family, friends, or colleagues. Volunteers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on freephone 116 123 or by emailing jo@ samaritans.ie.
Samaritans is the charity that prevents suicide through the power of human connection.
Pat White, lead volunteer and Branch Director at Ennis Samaritans, said: “People reach out for many reasons including loneliness and isolation, depression, relationship and family problems, bereavement, nancial worries, job-related stress, bullying and disabling physical illness or pain. People who are feeling suicidal also reach out to us.
“You could be going through something new or have been struggling to cope for some time. Either way, you may need emotional support to help you through. Our callers nd that talking to someone neutral can be bene cial.”
Samaritans believe thatno matter the issue - if you’re given the time and space to talk things through, you can nd a way through your problems and can make decisions that are right for you.
If you need to talk, Samaritans will listen on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.ie.
If you would like to know more about volunteering at your local branch on the Kilrush Road in Ennis please contact us either by phone 0851763401 or by emailing
ennis.branchrecruitment@ samaritans.org.
To get tips on supporting yourself and others visit www.samaritans.ie.
Clare Suicide Bereavement Support befriends and sup-
ports individuals, families and communities who are bereaved by suicide, whether recently or in the past. When someone you love dies by suicide, it can shatter your world. e grief can be overwhelming—disbelief, sadness, anger, confusion, and a deep sense of loss.
We are a team of fully trained volunteers in Co. Clare, o ering con dential emotionalsupport to individuals, families, and communities who are grieving a er suicide.
We listen without judgment, o er understanding, and walk beside you in your pain.
Our service is free of charge. We are here to support you—so you don’t have to go through this alone.
One-to-One Befriending
e listening support and caring understanding of a trained volunteer is just a phone call away – ready to listen with empathy and understanding.
All you need do is pick up the phone and we can arrange to meet with you at our centre.
Monthly Support Group
Each month we hold a speci c support meeting at our Centre in Roslevan Ennis. is is an opportunity for the bereaved to support each other in their loss and grief. e meetings take place on the last ursday of every month at 7.30pm, and no appointment is necessary. Call/text 0873698315 or 0866565373 for more information or visit claresuicidebereavementsupport.com
Inagh could be Ireland’s greenest place
INAGH is in the running to be named one of the Greenest villages in Ireland.
Across categories for Ireland’s greenest suburb, village, town and community, Clare has secured one nominee on the shortlist, with Inagh now in contention to win the village category and potentially the overall title of Ireland’s Greenest Place 2025. It will be competing with Louisburgh (Mayo), Castlegregory/Maharees (Kerry) and Cloughjordan ecovillage (Tipperary).
Fourteen entries from across the country have made it to the nal stage of the Ireland’s Greenest Places competition. e shortlist includes two suburbs, four villages, three towns and ve communities. Dublin and Kerry lead the way with four and three nominees respectively, with Mayo next on two. en its Clare, Cork Tipperary, Westmeath and Wexford with one each.
Quin had made the longlist of twenty six for the village category.
‘Ireland’s Greenest Places 2025’, an initiative, which is being run by e Irish Times in association with Electric Ireland, began in late May when members of the public were invited to nominate a special place or project which they believe contributes to a genuinely greener environment.
Inagh and Quin were among over 120 projects or places put forward by members of the public from all over the country and amongst a small number of entries submitted from people in Clare.
As part of its submission, Inagh’s public transport improvements have impressed judges. As per its submission, the village has a population of 192. Bike parking, a new bus shelter and a pedestrian crossing have all enabled a more sustainable transport system.
A village biodiversity plan has seen the introduction of solar panels on the hurling club and community hall, and a biodiversity river walk. With collaborators from
ages 10 to 92, Inagh’s green initiatives hinge on the involvement of local school classes, the GAA, the active retired group and Tidy Towns groups.
Chair of the Judging Panel, Irish Times Features Editor Mary Minihan said they had been blown away by the quality and diversity of the environmental projects being undertaken around the country. “All fourteen community entries which have made it through to the nal stage have demonstrated clear evidence of widespread action on climate and sustainability goals. Many of the locations have bene tted from truly transformative action, changing both physically and culturally as a result of collaborative green projects”.
She added, “It was extremely di cult in the rst instance for us to come up with the long list and more di cult again to come up with the shortlist. Congratulations to the 14 projects who made it on the shortlist but also to everyone who entered and is doing such valuable work”.
She said each place was judged on speci c criteria including its bene cial environmental impact, level of ongoing collective engagement by the community and evidence of behavioural change by people.
Joining her on the judging panel is former Minister and ex leader of the Green Party, Eamon Ryan. He said the Ireland’s Greenest Places initiative shows just how much community-led- environmentalism has deepened and spread in recent years. “At a time when people are anxious about climate change and biodiversity loss, it helps to think global but act local. e short-listed entries show the variety of what is taking place around Ireland. People in every community seem to be looking to see what they can do by promoting pollinators, planting trees or establishing sustainable energy or transport solutions”.
Category winners and the overall winner of Ireland’s Greenest Places 2025 will be announced on the weekend of the 12th/13th of Septem-
ber. Other initiatives carried out in Inagh include it being the rst solar meitheal in Clare, the involvement of
over forty participants in tree planting and clean ups, local co ee shops giving discounts for resuable co ee cups, development of an energy mas-
ter plan which will be completed by the end of 2025, energy audits in the national school and community hall, a local nuttery, a return
scheme collection point, a water point for re lling bottles and having Ireland’s only plastic free Christmas fair.
@GreenerClare
GREENEST PLACE: Neil Garvey, Dominic Keating, Rosita Boland (journalist with The Irish Times), Michael O’Connor, Roisin Garvey and Eileen Ryan
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
Green Clare
Join Clare’s one of Clare’s big beach cleans
by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie
MORE than 200 volunteers in County Clare are already registered and set to join Clean Coasts for the Big Beach Clean this September 19 to 21.
Supported by Kia Ireland, the Big Beach Clean is an annual call-toaction as part of the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), a global initiative led by Ocean Conservancy to mark the end of the bathing season. This nationwide event invites individuals, families, and communities to come together, clean their local coastline or waterways, and contribute to a global citizen science effort.
Last year, Clare had over 400 volunteers who took part in the 2024 Big Beach Clean and made a huge difference to their County collecting 2.9 tonnes of litter. Clean-ups will be happening in various locations, across the coun-
ty. The County Clare clean ups will be taking place at Lahinch, White Strand Milltown Malbay, Spanish Point, White Strand Doonbeg and Capagh Pier.
Upon signing up, participants receive all materials needed to run their beach clean and to record litter data using the Clean Coasts Marine Litter Data Cards or the Clean Swell App, which in turn helps contribute to global marine litter research.
The deadline for registering to volunteer is September 7. Those interested in taking part are encouraged to register before this date to avail of free a clean-up kit (while stocks last) and make a positive impact on the Irish coast and waterways.
For more information or to sign up, visit www.cleancoasts.org
lBEACH CLEAN: White Strand, Milltown Malbay
Arts & Culture
Monaghan composer Jamie Duff y to share new music on glór stage
by LISA MULLALY
MONAGHAN based composer Jamie Du y will be returning to Ennis as part of his rst headline UK/ European tour. He will share new music from his upcoming album on the glór stage on September 13.
Since rst releasing original music in 2022, the 24 year old musician has emerged as one of Ireland’s most compelling new artists, blending folk, classical, and contemporary in uences into a sound that’s both intimate and cinematic.
Jamie has been playing music his whole life, learning traditional Irish and classical music throughout his childhood.
Jamie rst gained public attention in 2022 a er releasing his rst solo track Solas. e tune went viral across social media platforms with over 125 million streams on Spotify, 25 million YouTube views, and 6.6 billion views on TikTok. e track became the most streamed debut by an Irish artist since Hozier’s
Take Me To Church.
When speaking about why he thinks Solas gained popularity from TikTok Jamie explained that the beauty of instrumental music is that it leaves space for listeners to interpret it their own way and this is why people resonated with Solas in particular.
“ e beautiful thing is that it means something else to everybody. Like, it’s a very personal thing. And these songs t di erent people’s worlds in di erent ways, like lyrical music can’t. So I think that’s so beautiful. And I think with Solas, it just ts in a big way with so many people and means so many things to so many di erent people.”
Jamie has since continued to grow as an artist releasing his debut EP On A Wing, sold out his rst Irish headline tour, and supported Andrea Bocelli and Hans Zimmer at British Summer Time Festival in Hyde Park.
e classical folk musician has also collaborated with a number of artists such as e Coronas and King shr.
Jamie recently completed his rst feature lm score
for the lm , 500 Miles an adaption of the novel Charlie and Me by Mark Lowery. e lm expected to be released in early 2026 will star Bill Nighy and Maisie Williams.
Most recently he has released his latest single “Rising” which has accumulated over 100,000 listens on spotify in just three weeks. Recorded in Iceland, Ris-
ing is “inspired by Ireland and Irish society and also just the beauty of Ireland and everything mixed all together” Jamie told the Clare Echo.
e musician says his main in uences are Ludovico Einaudi and Enya, however he has always been inspired by traditional Irish music having played it since he was a child. He tries to integrate Irish music into his work whenever he can, describing his sound as “distinctly Irish but not overtly Irish”
For his upcoming tour Jamie will be joined by a quartet to help ll out the sound and create a larger ambiance and musical performance. He explained that although he will be performing instrumental classical music that the concert will be accessible to everyone.
“ e audience should expect a beautiful night, full of craic and it’s not going to be high brow. If anybody has any preconceptions of what they think a somewhat classical music show is. It’s not going to be that. I’m very chill and light-hearted.
I think my music is very accessible to everybody. And the way that I present it is very accessible.”
Two Clare artists awarded €40,000 in Arts Council bursaries
by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie
THE ARTS Council has awarded bursaries to two artists in Clare, with a combined total of €40,000, under its agship Bursary Award scheme.
Each award, valued at up to €20,000, is designed to give artists the resources and time to develop their practice, research, and create new work.
is year’s Clare recipients are Enda Gri n a painter based in Clonlara and Neil Ó Loclainn a musician and composer from Ballyvaughan. Gri n, an artist and art teacher with Limerick Youth Service, will use his bursary to lead a 30-week collaborative painting project with Ukrainian and Irish young people. e project will unfold on a 19-foot square canvas, exploring themes of
identity and integration.
“ e great thing about painting is that it’s a language everyone understands,” Gri n explained. “It allows people to work together, even if they don’t share the same spoken language. Mistakes and unexpected turns can just become part of the artwork. It’s an open-ended process led by the participants and their interests, centred on who we are as individuals and who we are together as a group.”
e workshops will run throughout the academic year, with breaks for holidays. For Gri n, the long-term nature of the project is key.
“It’s not just a one-o event, it’s a process,” he said. “It’s about building relationships. O en, I see Ukrainian and Irish young people in the same building but moving in parallel, never really meeting. e need
for integration is huge, and one of the best ways to facilitate it is through shared endeavour.”
“ is project wouldn’t be possible without Arts Council funding.
It means young people can experience art in a way they wouldn’t otherwise.”
Gri n, who is completing a PhD in portraiture, previously ran a similar project with Afghan men. He hopes to build on what he learned and apply it in a new context with this group of young people.
Meanwhile, Neil Ó Loclainn has been awarded €20,000 to create a new body of work inspired by the three forms of music said to be found in ancient Ireland: Geantraí (joyful music), Goltraí (lament), and Suantraí (lullaby). His project will deepen his engagement with Ireland’s musical traditions, while
reimagining them for contemporary audiences.
Maura McGrath, Chair of the Arts Council, said:
“ e bursary awards are about giving artists the most precious resource they need; time. Time to think, to create, to experiment, and to develop their cra . ese artists are working across an extraordinary range of disciplines, and their projects will have a lasting impact not only on their own practices but also on audiences and communities across Ireland and beyond.”
Bursary awards are made in every county, as well as to artists based in Northern Ireland and internationally, across elds including visual arts, theatre, dance, literature, music, lm, opera, architecture, circus, street arts, and traditional arts.
Musician and composer Jamie Duffy
Clare Wellness: School and new beginnings
THE NEW school year has taken off. A new beginning for first year students in secondary school or college and for junior infants in primary school. It’s all about change and new beginnings. A new school year is a powerful symbol of change and new beginnings. It offers a fresh start- a chance to reset, grow and improve both academically and personally.
A new academic year, be it national school, secondary school or college, can bring a mix of excitement, anticipation, stress and adjustment for students, parents, and teachers. A fresh start can lead to people feeling a renewed sense of purpose. Students reconnect with old friends and begin building new friendships, which can boost emotional well-being and is key for developing social and communication skills.
There are many new concepts such as learning, rules, new curriculum, and new class structure. While these new beginnings are exciting it can also be a struggle for individuals and cause anxiety due to the meeting new teachers, mixing with peers and making new friends. The new environment can especially impact those who are shy or introverted and difficulty making new friends can affect their individuals thought pattern and academic performance.
Stress can also affect students, making it harder for them to focus, sleep well or manage their emotions. Students can feel overwhelmed, anxious, frustrated, or sad. Physical effects presenting as headaches, fatigue, feeling sick, changes in appetite and stomach problems. Cognitive affects such as difficulty to concentrating and making decisions. Behavioural effects such as avoidance pro-
crastination, students becoming withdrawn and excessive screen time. One of the most important aspects of support I find in the clinic is to be understood. Many times, I see students present at the clinic and the most prominent feeling they have is that no one understands how they feel. This brings isolation and loneliness.
At the clinic I unravel a student and guide
them with self-help tools like their beliefs and thoughts. Are they true? Are they facts? All of us have different beliefs. Perhaps we have formed them from past experiences. We need to dissect our thoughts and steer towards new ones that lead us to balance. It is important to notice what we are focusing on. What we focus on grows. When we become aware of the thought, we have the opportunity to adjust, change, and foster new positive thoughts. The use of Mindfulness & Positive Psychology in these situations is life changing.
I design a programme for each individual that presents at the clinic which incorporates all ages. We are all unique and all need unique programmes. There are many habits that can be incorporated like deep breathing, journalling, spending time in nature or spending time with a pet. These can all have wonderful effects on our happiness.
While change can be positive it can be difficult for some students. It is important to help students to believe they have the power to adapt and perhaps even enjoy the new beginning.
“And suddenly you know... It’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.”
Thought for the week: Love until it costs
THIS WEEK, as we mark the anniversary of the death of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, our hearts turn toward a woman who dared to take the Gospel at its word and live it in the streets and gutters of our world.
She challenges us to see beyond comfort and convenience. She reminds us that every person we meet, especially the poor, the sick, the lonely, the homeless, the addict, the refugee and the forgotten carries the face of Christ. The question is, will we have the courage to ‘love until it costs?’
Known as the “Saint of the Gutters,” she spent her life in the back alleys of Calcutta and beyond, touching those the world had cast aside. She picked up the dying from garbage bins, cradled babies no one wanted, wiped the tears of the forgotten, and whispered to each one: “You are precious to God. You are loved.” It is an honour this week to write a few words about St. Mother Teresa and how she understood and lived the mercy of Our Lord in her life and work, on the 28th anniversary of her passing.
I had the privilege of knowing Mother Teresa for fifteen years, often accompanying her to places like Calcutta, parts of India, Romania and Ireland. During this time, I observed how she received every person with love and faith, seeing the face of God
in everyone. When I asked her, “How is it that you never seem to judge or criticize anyone who comes to you?” she replied, “I never judge anyone, because it doesn’t allow me the time to love them.” What a challenge for us today, in a culture so quick to criticize, divide, judge, cancel and dismiss. Her words confront us, “what if the time we spend judging could instead be spent loving? How many lives could be touched? How many hearts could be healed?”
Some of my most cherished moments with Mother were in the main Missionary of Charity convent in Calcutta, kneeling beside her in the chapel during Mass, sharing her prayer book and missal, and listening to her speak and sing. Through these experiences, I learned perhaps the greatest lesson from St. Mother Teresa, how intimately and tenderly God loves each one of us.
One evening, after a long day working in Kalighat with the sick and dying, Mother Teresa paused in the chapel, genuflected, and looked at the large crucifix with the words “I Thirst” beside it. She said to me, “Look at Jesus on his cross, he is so innocent, holy, and pure. But his head is bent to kiss you, and his arms are outstretched to hold you, and his heart is fully open to enclose your heart with his. Be only all for Jesus always. This is the great love that Jesus has for each one of us.”
These words have become a mantra for me. Though I sometimes fail to live up to them, I strive daily to keep them alive in my heart.
St. Mother Teresa teaches us that faith is not a feeling, but a decision. Love is not mere sentiment, but sacrifice. Mercy is not optional, but the very heartbeat of the Gospel. “Love, to be real,” she said, “must hurt. It must cost. It must empty us of self.” This is not the comfortable Gospel we often prefer. It is demanding. It asks us to love even when inconvenient, to forgive even when it hurts, and to give even when we feel we have nothing left. And yet, it is precisely this kind of love that transforms the world.
The poor are not only in Calcutta. They are here in our midst in our own country of Ireland, in our streets, nursing homes, hospitals, mental institutions, homeless shelters, street soup kitchens and prisons. They are the lonely neighbor no one visits, the teenager who feels invisible, the homeless and the refugees who feel unwanted, the addict who feels beyond redemption. Each one of them is Christ in disguise.St. Mother Teresa remains one of my role models, someone whose life mirrors the mercy of Christ. She extended the loving gaze of the Father to the poor and marginalized, echoing the parable of the Prodigal Son. Her mission took her into the slums of Calcutta and the gutters of our world, where she served the poorest of the poor, showing them their inherent dignity and worth.
This week, as we honor her memory, let us not place her on a pedestal out of reach. Let us allow her life to disturb our comfort, to awaken
our compassion, and to challenge us to holiness. For holiness is not about doing extraordinary things, but about doing ordinary things with extraordinary love. So let us ask ourselves, ‘Who is Christ placing in my path this week? Who is the person I am called to notice, to comfort, to forgive, to love?’ The answer to that question may be the very place where God is asking me to become His hands and His heart in the world.
Thought for the week
As your thought for the week, we must remember that the most fundamental vocation and purpose of our lives is to love. However, love without sacrifice and mercy is empty, and love without pain is vain. St. Mother Teresa once said that humanity has cured so many incurable diseases, but one disease that afflicts humanity today is that there are many people who feel unwanted, lonely and unloved. May each and every one of us become God’s light and hand in the world to touch a wounded soul and heal a broken heart through acts of kindness, love, charity, mercy and forgiveness that flows from a deep place of faith in God. May we remember the immortal words of St. Therese of Lisieux: “My life is for a moment, I am only the breath of God. O, my God teach me that for loving you and loving my neighbor, I have only today for my life is only for a moment.”
For me St. Mother Teresa saw the face of Christ in the poor, the sick, and the dying. Every day she spent help-
ing the sick, the poor, and the dying, mending our broken world by helping her beloved Jesus, who unfortunately at this present time most of us are rejecting. Holiness should be the goal for each of us. As we honor the memory of St. Mother Teresa on the anniversary of her death this week, may she intercede for us and help us to place ourselves in the hands of God, receive the graces we need “to have an open heart to be able to see God in the face of our poor,” so that one day, with her, we will achieve holiness as we rejoice in God’s presence forever in heaven.
In conclusion let me leave you with a prayer of mine to St. Mother Teresa, “Lord Jesus, You thirst for us with a love that never ends. Through the witness of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, teach us to see Your face in every person we meet, especially in those who are poor, forgotten, or alone. Give us courage to love until it costs, to forgive without counting, to serve without seeking reward. Empty us of judgment, pride, and indifference, and fill us instead with mercy, tenderness, and joy. As Mother Teresa prayed: “Flood my soul with Your spirit and love, so that every soul I come in contact with may feel Your presence in my soul.” May we quench Your thirst, O Lord, by giving drink to the thirsty, food to the hungry, comfort to the lonely, and hope to the despairing. St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us. Amen.”
Clare Motor Club Clare Stages Rally 2025
CLARE MOTOR Club event will once again showcase the scenic roads of County Clare while bringing top-class rallying action to the region during the Loughrea Plant & Tool Hire Clare Stages Rally.
The event will take place on Sunday, September 7.
This year marks a new chapter for the rally, as Aiden Connolly steps into the role of Clerk of the Course. He takes over from the highly respected Gerry O’Brien, who has guided the event with distinction in recent years.
Loughrea Plant & Tool Hire are the main sponsor of this years Rally. Owned by brothers Michael and Jarlath Con neely, the company has depots in both Loughrea and Ennis and a long history of supporting Irish motorsport. Their sponsorship is seen as a major boost to the future of the event. Associate sponsors Hotel Woodstock Ennis and Charlie McEnery Motor Services also play a big role in the events success.
The 2025 Clare Stages Rally will count as a round of several presti gious championships, including the Triton Show ers Motorsport Ireland Na tional Rally Championship, the Sligo Pallets Border Rally Championship, the Top Part West Coast Rally Championship, the Dacia Sandero Challenge Cup, and the Clare Motor Club Championship.
Competitors and fans can expect a 3x3 stage format, with a mix of classic roads not used in years alongside spectator favourites. In total, the rally will feature 110 competitive kilometres. Rally headquarters and service will once again be based at the Clare Co-Operative Marts complex, providing a convenient and spacious hub for teams and supporters.
Looking ahead to September, Clerk of the Course Aiden Connolly said he is excited to
“We’ve worked hard to design a route that blends tradition with excitement. Thanks to the support of our sponsors and volunteers, we’re confident that the 2025 Loughrea Plant and Tool Hire Clare Stages Rally will be one to remember.”
The official Rally Programme containing all the event information will be on sale this week in outlets in Ennis and the surrounding areas and you can also follow Clare Motor Club’s social media channels Facebook: clare. motorclub and Instagram claremotorclubirl for up to the minute information as it happens.
lRALLY 2024: Photos by Dermot Kelliher
‘Amazing’ night as The Monks Well lands Best Newcomer award
by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie
THE newly-renovated Monks Well pub in Quin has been recognised as Best Newcomer in the Irish Bar of the Year awards 2025.
The iconic pub, which is now run by co-managers Declan Kelly & Geraline Crowley since reopening under new ownership in March of this year, took home gold in the Best Newcomer category at the awards held in Dublin.
Mr Kelly told The Clare Echo, “We’re elated. It’s a fantastic achievement for a small pub in Quin. We were very surprised. When it came out we didn’t know what to do!”
The Irish Bar of the Year Awards 2025 took place on August 18 in Dublin with three Clare establishments making the finals. Bunratty-based pub
& bistros Durty Nelly’s (Visitor Attraction of the Year) and JP Clarke’s (Gastro Bar of the Year) were also recipients of awards.
The Monks Well competed with a judges’ shortlist of 16 pubs nationwide to be named Best Newcomer. Only five months in operation, The Monks Well is by far the fastest winner of the category since the awards inception.
Twelve staff from the Quin establishment were present on the awards night. “It was an absolutely amazing night, JP Clarkes and Durty Nellies were also finalists and it was nice to have three local pubs there from Clare.”
The Monks Well, which also operates boutique guest rooms (The Monks Quarters) and a Brunch Café (The Monks Pantry) has already become a popular community venue in the heart of Quin. With live music
every Friday and Saturday night, it hosts parties and family gatherings, regular events like yoga mornings, paint your pooch & prosecco paint and sip events. The owners Adrian and Diana Fleming’s vision from the very start of construction was “to be more of a community hub than a pub and we feel we have achieved that”.
The Monks Well employs more than 25 staff and Mr Kelly added that the award win has “given us a lift” as we enter the next phase of development as we enhance the food offering at the Pantry and Barn in the coming days and weeks. Mr Kelly concluded by saying that “we owe this award to the locals who supported us from the beginning and the wider community who have started to make the “Spin to Quin” a weekly habit.
Shannon forms strong part of Limerick Chamber submission for Budget 2026
by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie
SHANNON AIRPORT is a strong focus of Limerick Chamber’s submission to the Government in advance of the Budget.
Prioritising balanced regional development is the central theme of the submission by Limerick Chamber titled, ‘Sustainable Infrastructure, Sustainable Growth’.
A top priority in the submission is the addition of greater international links for Shannon Airport.
Regional airports such as Shannon are essential to Ireland’s international business links. The Chamber urges immediate inclusion of Shannon Airport in the expanded Regional Airports Programme and calls for a new National Aviation Policy that reflects the ambitions of Project Ireland 2040.
Limerick Chamber has also called for accelerated investment in the Limerick-Shannon metropolitan rail network, key roads like the N/ M20, and the Limerick BusConnects programme, all of which are vital to achieving compact urban growth and decarbonisation.
Budget 2026 is a pivotal moment in Ireland’s economic journey, with unprecedented headwinds due to tariffs and a backdrop of global conflict, Limerick Chamber maintained. It has called for the introduction of measures to support businesses, SMEs in particular, as “Ireland Inc” seeks to reduce reliance on a small number of taxpayers.
“Ireland’s regions, particularly the Mid-West, are being left in a holding pattern due to a lack of infrastructure certainty,” said Mairead Connolly, President of Limerick Chamber. “The cost of inaction is mounting. If we do not front-load investment in sustainable infrastructure now, we will pay far more in the short term in climate penalties and missed opportunities by
2030 and 2050. Investing today is the obvious choice, derisking Ireland’s dependence on third parties and bringing payback for decades both to the country and directly to the Midwest economy. Budget 2026 must be the moment we move from rhetoric to results”.
CEO of Limerick Chamber, Michelle Gallagher flagged, “Budget 2026 cannot become another missed opportunity. Our submission sets out a clear, actionable plan to ensure infrastructure delivery underpins economic resilience, energy security, and regional equity. Investing in the MidWest now is not just smart policy -it’s smart economics”.
Despite strong economic contributions from regional cities, the Chamber points to new data showing the Mid-West receives just a fraction of per-capita capital spending compared to the East of the Country and highlights without project-level commitments in the NDP, the region risks falling further behind.
Limerick Chamber’s 400+ member organisations are united in urging Government to use Budget 2026 as a defining moment in regional infrastructure planning and climate investment. “We’ve reached the limits of what policy rhetoric alone can fix,” Connolly concluded. “The regions are ready, Budget 2026 must ensure they’re not passengers but full partners in Ireland’s sustainable future”.
Clare County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the below competitions. Clare County Council will, following the interview process, form panels for the areas set out below from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.
• Temporary Community Climate Action Officer
Closing date: 12 Noon Friday 19th September 2025.
• Permanent Lifeguard/Instructor (Ennis Leisure Complex)
• Branch Librarian
Closing date: 12 Noon Friday 26th September 2025.
Please complete online application form available on www.clarecoco.ie under Careers Section.
Only applications completed online will be accepted.
Clare County Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the Community.
Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat.
l Declan Kelly (Co-Manager) (front), Anton Savage, David Hayes, Adrian & Diana Fleming (owners), Geraldine Crowley (Co-Manager), Sharon Cummins, Lilly Scanlan, Loretta Kelly, Dillon Browne & Mark Sullivan celebrate The Monks Well’s win in Dublin
Inamona & Truagh/Clonlara thundering ahead
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
TRUAGH/CLONLARA
and Inagh/Kilnamona lead the way with successive victories seeing them hold top spots in their respective groups following the second round of the Clare Credit Unions senior camogie championship.
Champions Truagh/Clonlara were convincing victors yet again, they prevailed by nine points in Ogonnelloe when overpowering last year’s intermediate champions Tulla.
Newmarket-on-Fergus in their first outing of the championship put points on the board and bagged three goals when defeating St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield in what was a second loss for The Parish and puts them in the mix for a relegation scrap with Tulla.
It was a strong second half from the Blues as they hit on with 2-5. A high wide count hindered Doora/Barefield. Prior to the game, there was a minute silence for the late Conor Kennedy and his grand-daughter Kate Kennedy was among the standout players for Newmarket-on-Fergus at corner back.
Inagh/Kilnamona are setting the pace in this year’s campaign and recorded a fifteen point victory at the expense of Kilmaley who have now lost out in both of their outings.
In this game, Inamona had the first nine points but Kilmaley battled back to trail 0-11 0-7 at half-time. However, goals from Aoibhin Ryan and Danielle Griffin in the third quarter put Eugene Foudy’s side on their way to back to back wins.
Molly Potter’s goal was the decisive score as Clarecastle/ Ballyea got their campaign off to a high with a four point win over Kilkishen who are now without a win in two games. Five Emma O’Loughlin frees had the winners 0-8 0-6 in front at half time with Potter raising the green flag in the second half.
SENIOR CAMOGIE CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP B ROUND 2
INAGH/KILNAMONA 2-22
KILMALEY 1-10
Scorers Inagh-Kilnamona: Aoibhin Ryan (1-12, 1-0 Pen, 7f, 2’45); Danielle Griffin (1-2); Sinead Power (04); Andrea O’Keeffe (0-2); Laura Rynne, Elisha Rynne (0-1 each)
Scorers Kilmaley: Claire McMahon (0-6, 4f); Grace Carmody (1-0); Caoimhe Cahill (0-2); Kate Hayes, Regan Conway (0-1 each)
Inagh/Kilnamona: Cara McInerney; Cathy Cullinan, Shauna Queally, Jane Fitzgerald; Tierna Hegarty, Laoise Ryan, Teresa O’Keeffe; Danielle Griffin, Andrea O’Keeffe; Laura Rynne, Sinead Power, Aoife Keane; Elisha Rynne, Clare Hehir, Aoibhin Ryan Subs: Kate Dowling for T. O’Keeffe (46), Mary McInerney for Hegarty (51), Fiona Lafferty for Hehir (55)
Kilmaley: Maria Burke; Lauren Cahill, Sinead O’Keeffe, Jodie Cahill; Helen McMahon, Chloe Neylon, Martina Keane; Megan White, Grace Carmody;
Claire McMahon, Caoimhe Cahill, Caoimhe Carmody; Kate Hayes, Regan Conway, Emily Carmody Subs: Maeve Clancy for White (41), Sarah Ní Cheallaigh for Conway (46), Kate Lees for H. McMahon (49, Keela Markham for C. McMahon (55), Shonagh Enright for Keane (55), Alanna Doherty for Hayes (57)
Referee: Joe Mullins (Clonlara)
SENIOR CAMOGIE CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP
B ROUND 2
CLARECASTLE-BALLYEA 1-13
KILKISHEN 0-12
Scorers Clarecaste/ Ballyea: Emma O’Loughlin (0-7f); Aisling Costelloe (0-3); Molly Potter (1-0); Emma O’Donoghue (0-2); Evie Scanlon (0-1).
Scorers Kilkishen: Siobhan Lenihan (0-9, 5f, 2’45); Aine Lenihan, Caoimhe Kelly, Kate O’Gorman (0-1 each)
Clarecastle/Ballyea: Doireann Murphy; Orla Hogan, Lily McMahon, Fiona Breen; Zoe Ellingstad, Hannah Mai Neylon, Aoife Murphy; Leah Kelly, Molly
Potter; Evie Scanlon, Ria Flanagan, Emma O’Loughlin; Ivanna Costelloe, Emma O’Donoghue, Aisling Costelloe Sub: Ria Meaney for Flanagan (62)
Kilkishen: Edel McNamara; Lily Boyce, Orla McInerney, Grainne Cooney; Abby Heffernan, Caoimhe Kelly, Katie Frost; Aine Lenihan, Eilis Whitney; Olivia Moroney, Siobhan Lenihan, Eimear Murphy; Chloe Philpott, Kate O’Gorman, Aoife Frost Subs: Ellie Frost for Philpott (50), Eimear Cassidy for A. Frost (50)
Referee: Kevin Walsh (Wolfe Tones)
CLARE CREDIT UNIONS SENIOR CAMOGIE CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP 1:
TRUAGH/CLONLARA 3-17 TULLA 2-8
NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS 3-12
ST JOSEPH’S DOORA/BAREFIELD 2-4
CLARE CREDIT UNIONS SENIOR CAMOGIE CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP 2:
INAGH/KILNAMONA 2-22 KILMALEY 1-10
CLARECASTLE/BALLYEA 1-13 KILKISHEN 0-12
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Aoibhin RyanINAGH KILNAMONA
A PERSONAL tally of 1-12 from Aoibhin Ryan saw her set the way in the second round of the Clare senior camogie championship to be named as the Clare Credit Unions/The Clare Echo player of the week.
Inagh/Kilnamona have impressed in both of their outings and are already on course to return to the semi-finals.
They were tested for stages of the first half against Kilmaley but they kicked on to another level in the second half led by Aoibhin who was one of their two goal scorers.
She finished with 1-12 to her credit as Inamona made it two from two to go top of Group 2.
Camogie fixtures
Friday September 5th:
Clare Credit Unions Senior Championship
Clareabbey: Tulla v St Josephs, 6.30pm
Clonlara GAA: Newmarket on Fergus v Scariff-Ogonnelloe, 6.30pm
Fr McNamara Park: Kilmaley v Kilkishen, 6.30pm
O’Callaghans Mills: Clarecastle/Ballyea v Feakle-Killanena, 6.30pm
Clare Credit Unions Intermediate Championship
Clooney GAA: Clooney Quin v Inagh-Kilnamona, 6.30pm
Saturday September 6th: Clare Credit Unions Junior A & B Championship
Banner GAA: Banner v Parteen-Meelick, 6.30pm
Clare Credit Unions Junior C Championship
Ruan GAA: Ruan v Wolfe Tones, 6.30pm
Sunday September 7th:
Clare Credit Unions Junior C Championship
Whitegate GAA: Whitegate v Parteen-Meelick, 2.00pm
Monday September 8th : U16 Championship U16A
Sixmilebridge v Inagh-Kilnamona
Scariff-Ogonnelloe v Kilmaley
St Josephs v Éire Óg
Newmarket on Fergus v Clarecastle U16B
Truagh Clonlara v Broadford/Bodyke
Whitegate v Feakle-Killanena
Ruan v Smith O’Briens
Clooney Quin v Wolfe Tones
U16C
Ballyea v Corofin
Banner v Tulla
Parteen-Meelick v Crusheen
l Truagh/Clonlara’s Eimear Begley Photo by Gerard O’Neill
BURREN EYE PHOTOGRAPHY
Kilmihil seal senior in extra time
TUS CLARE SHC RELEGATION SEMI-FINAL KILDYSART 1-14 KILMIHIL 2-10
Venue: Páirc Cuar an Chláir, Cooraclare
Compiled by Páraic McMahon
STORY OF THE GAME
KILDYSART:
Frees for: 18 (10/8)
Wides: 7 (4/3)
Spread of scorers: 6
Scores from play: 1-6
Top scorer: Luke McGrath (0-6 3f 1TPf).
Bookings: None
Own kickouts won: 8 from 19 (42%)
KILMIHIL:
Frees for: 17 (7/10)
Wides: 7 (5/2)
Spread of scorers: 4
Scores from play: 2-2
Top scorer: Ciaran Downes (0-8 6f 1TPf),
Bookings: Gavin Downes (36).
Own kickouts won: 9 from 22 (41%)
REFEREE: Niall Quinn (St Joseph’s Miltown)
MANAGER COMMENT “
Maurice Walsh, Kildysart:
“It’s fantastic to have that three or four minutes at the end of the game to get back into it, we didn’t experience that against Cratloe, we learned from that mistake against Cratloe that if we were down we were going to continue to play and we were going to play every ball like the first ball, when we had a free we took a point, we said we’d attack the kickout and we got a two pointer, we attacked the kickout and got another point, that is commitment and good leadership on the team”.
“The manner of the defeat is difficult, giving ourselves that lead with a couple of minutes still to play, we should be able to see it out in those instances but I think we struggled around the middle with breaking ball and kickouts for a lot of the game although I think we played the better football but when you’re not winning primary possession you can run into issues which is where I think the game was lost” .
Miltown down Doonbeg to march on
TUS CLARE SFC PRELIMINARY QUARTER FINAL:
ST JOSEPH’S MILTOWN 1-12 DOONBEG 0-11
Venue: St Michael’s Park, Kilmihil Compiled by Páraic McMahon
STORY OF THE GAME
ST JOSEPH’S MILTOWN
Frees for: 11 (7/4)
Wides: 5 (2/3)
Spread of scorers: 6
Scores from play: 1-9
Top scorer: Eoin Cleary (0-7 2TP 1TPf 1f).
Bookings: Enda O’Gorman (33), Seán Neylon (33), Stephen Murphy (45), Micheál Murray (55), Darrag McDonagh (58). Own kickouts: 7/16 (44%)
DOONBEG Frees for: 20 (6/14)
Wides: 5 (4/1)
Spread of scorers: 7 Scores from play: 0-9
Top scorer: David Tubridy (0-3 2f)
Bookings: None Own kickouts won: 11 from 18 (61%)
REFEREE: Chris Maguire (Wolfe Tones)
MANAGER COMMENT “
“We probably dominated the first half, we went in leading and you would have expected us to push on but Doonbeg are Doonbeg, they are never beaten and down here in Kilmihil they were going to be a tough nut to crack and they proved that time and time again.
“They have guys that can put the ball over the bar and they showed that in the second half. We kept the scoreboard ticking over, there was a lot of frees for Doonbeg in the second half, 50/50 in my view but we will need to clean up our tackling another bit and we probably would have been more comfortable if we did.
Brian Shanahan, Doonbeg:
“It’s very disappointing, we lost it in the first half with the wind. We only scored three points with the wind, our second half performance was strong and we kicked eight points into the wind, I felt that we had a great goal chance and missed but they went straight up the field and took
their chance, it was fine lines”.
“We brought them back to three points and next thing Eoin Cleary goes and gets a two pointer, it was the way it was. Our lads gave everything for the 70 minutes but I just think the first half performance we were flat, the better team on the day won so credit to Miltown and best of luck to them in the next round”.
BIG players step up at the critical moments with Eoin Cleary typifying this to help St Joseph’s Miltown qualify for the Clare SFC quarter-finals and pick up the Martin Daly Autos/The Clare Echo player of the week in the process.
St Joseph’s Miltown claimed the last of the quarter-final berths with a four point win over Doonbeg on Saturday with Eoin emerging as their top scorer with seven points.
He was one of the real leaders of their side along with his twin brother Conor, Enda O’Gorman and Gordon Kelly who produced the goods when they had to.
It was during the second half when Doonbeg began to fire the kitchen sink at Miltown and here Eoin landing a brace of two pointers.
One of the big turning points in the game arrived on forty nine minutes when O’Gorman made a vital turnover on Darragh Burns allowing Miltown to work the ball up field to Eoin who duly slotted over an excellent two pointer, this in response to Doonbeg kicking three points in succession.
Eoin’s pace and energy on the ball plus his decision making under pressure saw him stand out during their 1-12 0-11 victory. His display underlines the value he will continue to bring to the county cause and strengthens the need for new manager Paul Madden to have him on board for 2026.
Eoin will be presented with a €50 voucher for Martin Daly Autos thanks to the sponsor of our football coverage.
l Kilmihil’s Dan Keating tackles Fergal Ginnane of Kildysart Photo by Gerard O’Neill
Eoin Cleary - Miltown Malbay
SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT
l Doonbeg’s Tadhg Lillis is stopped by the St Joseph’s Miltown trio of Gearoid Curtin, Paul Frawley and Ralph Whelehan
Photo by Gerard O’Neill
Martin Guerin, St Joseph’s Miltown:
Photo by Gerard O’Neill
Michael Doran, Kilmihil:
LISCANNOR EXTEND LIFE IN INTERMEDIATE RANKS & SEND ENNISTYMON INTO RELEGATION DECIDER
TUS CLARE INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CHAMP’SHIP
LISCANNOR 0-11
ENNISTYMON 1-07
Venue: Páirc Naomh Mhuire, Quilty
Compiled by Seamus Hayes
Coolmeen claim last IFC quarter-final spot
TUS CLARE IFC
COOLMEEN 0-23
CRATLOE 0-16
Venue: Hennessy Memorial Park, Miltown Malbay
Compiled by Seamus Hayes
Collisions on course following senior, intermediate & junior football quarter-final draws
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
QUARTER-FINAL pairings have been made for the Clare senior, intermediate and junior football championships.
For seven of the eight teams in the Clare SFC and IFC quarter-finals, they found out their opponents two weeks on from qualifying for the knockout stages.
Analysing potential opponents will now ratchet up for each management team with anticipation now building among the players.
Champions Éire Óg enter the knockout stages against St Joseph’s Miltown who were the last side to qualify following their preliminary quarter-final victory over Doonbeg on Saturday.
Beaten finalists of last year Kilmurry Ibrickane face St Joseph’s Doora/ Barefield for the first time in championship in two years. Five points separated them in the 2023 third round when the Bricks were 0-17 0-12 winners. They have met twice in this year’s Cusack Cup with the Parish coming out on top on each occasion.
Cratloe and Ennistymon will meet for the third year running. The sides drew in the group stages last season with Cratloe emerging victors in 2023 on a score of 2-11 2-5. The
tie also pits Colm Collins and Declan Downes, a duo who worked very closely together during their time involved with the county senior footballers.
Both Lissycasey and St Breckans exited in the quarter-finals last season but one of them will progress to the last four. Each side will be confident of their chances in this encounter. They met in the 2023 quarter-finals with St Breckans winning 1-9 0-5 on their way to contesting the county final.
In the intermediate, the meeting of Kilrush Shamrocks versus Cooraclare is among the top ties along with the clash of Clondegad and Naomh Eoin who met twice in the 2024 championship with Naomh Eoin claiming the spoils on each occasion including the semi-final.
At Junior A level, the postponed meeting of Cratloe and St Breckans which takes place next Monday will determine whether Killimer or Clondegad take top spot
in Group 4.
TUS Clare SFC quarter-finals:
Kilmurry Ibrickane v St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield
Éire Óg v St Joseph’s Miltown
Cratloe v Ennistymon
Lissycasey v St Breckans
TUS Clare IFC quarter-finals: Banner v Coolmeen Kilrush Shamrocks v Cooraclare Clondegad v Naomh Eoin
Corofin v Shannon Gaels
Martin Murphy Building & Civil Contractors Junior A Football Championship quarter-finals: Killimer or Clondegad v Kilfenora Lissycasey v St Senan’s Kilkee
Kilmurry Ibrickane v Éire Óg
Parteen/Meelick v Killimer or Clondegad
Martin Murphy Building & Civil Contractors Junior A Football relegation semi-finals: Corofin v St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield
Cratloe or St Breckans v Cooraclare
l Coolmeen’s Cathal O’Connor
Photo by Gerard O’Neill
l Liscannor’s Alan Clohessy holds off Ennistymon’s Ryan Barry; (far left) Padraig Haugh gets away from Ryan Barry
Photos by Gerard O'Neill
SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT
l Éire Óg’s Gavin Murray in action during their last championship tie with St Joseph’s Miltown held in Cooraclare in 2023
Photo by Gerard O’Neill
Coughlan leading candidate to become Clare U20 football manager
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
EX CLARE minor manager, Dermot Coughlan is the leading candidate to be appointed as U20 football manager.
The Clare Echo understands that Clare GAA chiefs are keen to appoint Dermot following their decision not to extend Maurice Walsh’s tenure in charge of the U20s.
Next week will see the September County Board meeting take place where it is possible that Coughlan could be ratified.
Kilmurry Ibrickane clubman Coughlan had been minor manager for six years, bringing an end to his tenure following the 2024 championship. His in-depth
knowledge of the crop of players and history of working with many of them is among the reasons why he is the preferred appointment.
Dermot was part of the Clare senior football panel in 1992 who managed by John Maughan memorably won the Munster championship. With his club, he won
He is currently manager of Kilrush Shamrocks, they reached the Clare IFC semi-final last year losing to eventual winners Wolfe Tones but since Coughlan’s arrival at the beginning of the year they have already won the Garry Cup which has secured their promotion to the Cusack Cup for 2026. The Shams
Clare competitors set for Community Games finals
St Francis Credit Union Clare Community Games will be represented by ninety four competitors in the National Community Games Art & Cultural Finals in Carlow on Saturday 5th/ Sunday 6th September. They will participate in Art, Model Making Handwriting, Choir, Solo Recitation, Solo & Group Singing, Dancing & Music. There will also be two teams in the Projects Competitions. Clare has a very good record in all these competitions over the years. Hopes are high that they will have great success at the weekend.
Choir, Quin/Clooney –Heather Broderick, Aoibhe Burke, Evanne Canny, Nessa Clune, Sinead Clune, Brighid Felle, Isabelle Flemming, Ailbhe Greene, Camille Hammond, Katie Hayes, Niamh Hoey, Orla Hoey, Hannah Killeen, Nina McCarthy, Ciara McDonnell, Ruby Moran, Jenny O Brien, Mella Skehan, Meadow Slattery. Group Singing, Quin/ Clooney – Aidan Reynolds, Katie Reynolds
Group Modern Dance U13, Quin/Clooney – Neasa O Brien, Ava Reilly
Group Music U13, Doo-
ra/Barefield – Clara Doolaghty, Anna Garvey, Fionn Kilkenny, Caragh Wynne.
Group Dance - Irish Contemporary U13, Quin/ Clooney – Allie Hynes, Caoimhe McCarthy, Cora Tighe.
Group Music U16, Kilkee – Micheal Galvin, Georgina Guinnane, Mia Harte, Abigail Keogh, Muireann Purtill, Leah Shannon.
Project U11, Cratloe –Chloe McAuliffe, Emma O\'Neill.
Project U13, Shannon –Aoibhinn Fitzgerald, Alexandra Lith. Alannah Tabb.
Project U11, Quin/Clooney – Danny Browne, Barra Gallagher, James Shally
Handwriting U14 – Hannah-Jane Dillon – Kilmurry Mc Mahon/Labbasheeda, Emily Cleary - Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry, Tommy Daly – Kilmihil, Paul Meehan – Newmarket-on-Fergus.
Solo Singing U16 – Kyle Frawley – Ennis St John’s
Solo Singing U13 - John Joe Moroney - Doora/Barefield
Solo Recitation U13 –Ide Deans – Newmarket
Solo Music U16 – Caoimhe Liddane – Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry
Solo Music U13 – Lily Mescall – Kilrush
Solo Dance U16 Disco –
Sarah Moroney – Doora/ Barefield
Solo Dance U13 Disco –
Ailbhe Doyle - Quin/Clooney
Model Making U14 – Aoibheann Hill – Ballynacally/Lissycasey, Ava, Keogan – Ballynacally
Model Making U14 –Oran Kennedy – Doora/ Barefield, Aaron Rooney –Quin/Clooney
Model Making U12 –Laoise Galvin – Doora/ Barefield, Faye McNamara – Ballynacally/L.
Model Making U12 – Tomas O’ Rourke & Ruaidri Dolan – Ballynacally/Lissycasey.
Model Making - U10 –Kate Kennedy – Doora/ Barefield & Zoe Kennedy – Inch/Kilmaley/C.
Model Making U10 –Ethan Ryan – Ballynacally/Lissycasey & Tadhg Deans – Newmarket
Handwriting U12 – Isabelle McInerney – Cratloe & Catherine Crimmins –Newmarket on F.
Handwriting U12 – Sean Minogue – Whitegate/M. & Maaz Tousif – Ennis St John
Handwiting
U10 – Rose O\'Connor – Crusheen/B/ Tubber & Emma O’Neill –Cratloe
Handwriting U10 – Callum Lynch – Sixmilebridge/
have won all three championship games to date to top Group 2 and qualify for the quarter-finals where they will meet Cooraclare.
Coughlan has previously managed Kilrush, Kilmihil and Clondegad to championship glory in the intermediate grade.
Members of his management with the Clare minors over the course of his six years included Seán Haugh of O’Currys, Éire Óg’s Mike Neylon, Dermot Gavin of Clondegad, Corofin’s Barry McGroary, Pat McMahon, Martin Cahill, Dermot O’Mahoney, Derry O’Donoghue, Peter O’Dwyer and S&C coach Derek Morris. Joe Hayes was part of Coughlan’s
management before becoming his successor in 2024.
Speaking to The Clare Echo about his exit as U20 manager, Maurice Walsh stated, “I don’t have a major issue with it. It would have been a little bit awkward for me this year with other commitments. Our management spoke and while they were delighted to be involved last year, the commitment is so big and two of them have very young children and we were finding it hard to pull lads in. Best of luck to whoever takes on that role”.
WHITEGATE EDGE BODYKE
Kilmurry & Diarmuid Condon – Quin/C
Art Boys
U16 – Robert Crowley –Doora/Barefield
U14 – Shane Keane –Inch/Kilmaley/Connolly & Michael Singleton – Corofin/Kilnaboy
U12 – Cillian McCarthy –Quin/Clooney & Callum
Malone – Doora/Barefield
U10 - Phoenix Adams – Shannon & Conal Greene – Quin/Clooney
U 8 – Tadgh O Callaghan
– Ballynacally/Lissycasey & Danyil Zaritskyi – Shannon
Art Girls
U16 Neasa Conlon – Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry & Sarah Scanlan – Clarecastle/Ballyea
U14 – Aoife Dolan – Ballynacally/Lissycasey & Rosalie Adams – Shannon
U12 - Elsie O’Grady –Crusheen/Ballinruan/ Tubber & Emily Glynn
– Shannon
U10 – Sarah Kowslowska – Sixilebridge/Kilmurry & Doireann Frost –Cratloe
U8 – Faye Cusack – Moylussa & Olivia Coughlan – Ballynacally/Lissycasey
Tulla’s Ryan Hayes loses his footing after taking a hit from Mark Flaherty of Killanena
Photo by Gerard O’Neill
Photo by Gerard O’Neill
Whitegate’s Conor Whelan
Photo by Gerard O’Neill
Lending is our Business
www.stfranciscu.ie
Four cracking hurling quarter-finals capable of filling up The Park
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
FOUR CRACKING encounters
are on the cards as the TUS Clare senior hurling championship hits the quarter-final stage this weekend.
Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg is the setting this weekend for quarter-final double headers on Saturday and Sunday. Only four clubs will be left standing in the bid to lift the Canon Hamilton by Sunday night.
Each quarter-final has the makings of a rip-roaring contest with a strong case to be made for any of the eight teams to advance to the last four which is why big crowds are expected in Cusack Park for the double-headers this weekend.
Ballyea and Clonlara kick off the
action at 3pm on Saturday which is followed by the meeting of Kilmaley and Sixmilebridge at 5pm. On Sunday, Clooney/Quin and Feakle face off at 3pm and then it’s the battle of Éire Óg and Inagh/Kilnamona at 5pm.
Relegation is also on the agenda with Dr Daly Park in Tulla the venue for both semi-finals. It’s Newmarket-on-Fergus versus St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield at 1pm on Saturday with Corofin and Scariff squaring off at 1pm on Sunday.
First up in the quarter-finals is the clash of 2023 champions Clonlara versus 2022 winners Ballyea. They crossed swords in the group campaign last season when Clonlara had a 1-28 1-20 in the first round while Ballyea won their maiden title in 2016 at the expense
of Clonlara.
Robbie Hogan’s Ballyea will get more dangerous the longer they stay in the championship and in the first half of their opening round against Kilmaley gave a glimpse of the damage they can inflict on any team. Tony Kelly has led the way for Ballyea so far with Gearoid O’Connell, Paul Flanagan, Jack Browne and Peter Casey all playing their part to emerge from the so-called Group of Death. The Kirby twins have added an electricity to their attack while the returns of Pearse Lillis and Morgan Garry from their travels add to the renown Ballyea work-ethic.
Ian Galvin has been the standout player of the Clare SHC to date and has been in exceptional form for Clonlara, hitting sublime points in their three outings to date. He has been the star for Donal Madden’s side but has been ably assisted by Dylan McMahon, Diarmuid Stritch, Oisin O’Brien and Colm Galvin.
Brian Culbert faces a challenging hour on Saturday evening when the Kilmaley manager tries to plot the downfall of his native Sixmilebridge. Culbert has tasted championship glory at senior level with as a player and coach with The Bridge and remains heavily involved with his native club.
His Kilmaley outfit have excelled with three wins from three with Conor Cleary causing havoc at centre forward, proving
to be a handful for any defence to curb. The depth of talent within their ranks is well noted but they have brought consistent to their run so far with Mikey O’Neill, Sean Kennedy, Michael O’Malley and Eoin Enright impressing while the return of Brian McNamara has boosted their cause.
Injuries have hampered Sixmilebridge but they are still one of the last eight teams bidding for championship glory. Barry Fitzpatrick is ruled out for Saturday but the Bridge faithful are hopeful of seeing Seadna Morey and Cathal Malone return for the first time since the first round. Their winning know-how and steely minds make them a difficult ask for anyone to take down.
Title holders Feakle have also overcome adversity to make the knockout stages and face an unbeaten Clooney/Quin. The champions are without two of their most influential players as goalkeeper Eibhear Quilligan and talisman Shane McGrath are sidelined. Ger Conway’s side will still bring a strong spirit and a physicality to proceedings.
Having contested the relegation semi-final last year, Clooney/ Quin have gone quietly about the business to find themselves sixty minutes from the final four. Fergal Lynch’s side have showed resolve to overcome Broadford and Inagh/ Kilnamona before stumbling to a final round draw with Corofin. There is plenty of energy within their side typified by Jerry O’Connor, Jack O’Neill, Ryan Taylor and
John Cahill while Peter Duggan remains their main target man. It is the second year in a row that Éire Óg and Inagh/Kilnamona meet at the quarter-final stage. Inamona ran out 2-16 0-22 winners they met last September but Éire Óg head into this tie unbeaten after topping Group 3. Conner Hegarty made a big difference off the bench to help Inagh/Kilnamona qualify for the quarter-finals beating Broadford in round three, Tomás Kelly and his management will be relying on the former Clare minor to play a sixty minute role this weekend while they’ll also be looking to captain Aidan McCarthy to deliver a big performance along with David Fitzgerald, Seán Rynne, Keith White, Shane Woods and Éamonn Foudy.
Éire Óg managed by Gerry O’Connor have been very impressive to date and have continued to add new players to their ranks with Marco Cleary among the form players of the Clare SHC. Experienced in the guise of David Reidy, Shane O’Donnell, Ciaran Russell, Aaron Fitzgerald and Danny Russell strengthens their cause which have witnessed Oran Cahill and Darren Moroney dictate matters from midfield.
l Clonlara’s Dylan McMahon and Ballyea’s Niall Deasy
Photo by Gerard O’Neill
Shannon qualify for Jimmy Bruen semi-final
by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie
SHANNON GC:
SHANNON Golf Cub are headed for an All-Ireland semi-finals.
On Saturday, Shannon won their Jimmy Bruen All-Ireland quarter final versus Gowran Park GC at the splendid Mannan Castle Golf Club, Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan with a dramatic birdie on the final hole. The final score was 2.5 to 1.5.
The pairings were Kevin McCarthy and Davy Ryan, Dermot O’Dono- ghue and Sean Óg Murnane, PJ Moroney & Adam McInerney Hynes and Derek Sweeney & Luke Hegarty.
This winning panel are led by Team Manager and Shannon Golf Captain Colm Hanley assisted by Seamus Hanley, Ed Hickey and Liam O’Mahony.
The Semi Finals & Final take place in Mannan Castle Golf Course on September 19 and 20.
ENNIS GOLF CLUB:
Lady captain Mary Curley’s prize was played for last week when the winner of the 18 hole stableford competition was Sinéad Hegarty with 38 points. She had one to spare over vice captain Mary T McMahon.
Lily May Horgan had the best score with 40 points but as she is a junior member she was not eligible for first or second prize so she finished in third place followed by Maeve Hoey who had 38 points but as a country member she was not el-
igible for first or second prizes either. Ruth Nihill was fifth with 37 points while Sarah Cunningham won the gross with 38 points.
Kitty Morris won division 1 on a countback with 36 points from Suzanne Deane.
A countback was also needed in Div 2 where Anna Marie Darmody won with 36 points from Patricia O’Reilly.
It was a similar situation in Div 3 where Sinead O’Sulllivan won from Maureen Moloney, both scoring 36 points. The nines were won by Monica Finnerty and Josephine Tone, both scoring 20 points.
Maura Ryan won the past captain’s category with 19 points while the best Granny category was won by Claire Kenneally with 19 points.
In the mixed foursomes category the winners were Mary Curley and John Coleman with 43 points from Elaine Whelan and William Donnellan with 39 points with Eileen Holly and Kevin Murray third with
38 points.
The Get into Golf category was won by Deborah Glynn with 35nett from Dympna O’Hehir with 41 nett.
Hilary Tubridy with 49 nett won division 1 while Bernadette Coffey won division 2 with 41 nett
In the junior girls section the winner was Ruth Nihill with 35 points from Lily May Horgan with 34, Isabelle McInerney with 31, Aoife Cahill with 29 and Molly Cahill with 19.
The men’s 18 hole stroke competition was won by John McEntee (21) with 66 from Ciaran Toohey (17) with 67, and John McInerney (24) with 69.
Jason Considine won the gross with 73 while the category winners were Enda Heaney (10) with 68, Mark Kenny (16) with 69, John Brack (19) with 72 and William Moloney (31) with 69.
The weekly ladies competition was won by Mary Lenihan (15) with 34 points, one more than Sinéad O’Sullivan (41) with third filled by Ann A. Gallery (10) with 31 .
Margaret Flanagan (19) with 20 points won the 9 hole singles.
Senior captain, Tim Scanlan’s prize was played for last Thursday when the winner of the 18 hole competition was Conor Murphy with 40 points from Frank Sheedy who had a similar score. Tim Kelly was third with 38 points.
Last week’s men’s stableford competition was won by Ken Morrissey (17) with 40 points from Michael O’Reilly (24) with a similar score with third filled by Barry Vaughan (19) with 39.
A number of matchplay competitions have concluded recently and the winners are; Ladies Ardagh Cup (Rose Enright), Ladies Challenge Cup (Joan Murphy), Knox Cup (Tony McInerney), Koley Cup (Ciaran Toohey), Abbey Trophy (Fergus O’Brien) and Cyril Walsh fourball matchplay (Martin Moran and Leonard Coote)
WOODSTOCK:
In the ladies club championship, sponsored by Al Hayes Sko-
da Motors, the winner was Aine Burke with 40 points from Patsy Nugent with 37 with third place filled by Kathleen McEnery (also 37 points). In the men’s club championship Robbie Dormer (17) won with 68 from Eugene Killeen (20) with 73 with Jason Dormer (5) in third with 74. Twenty five played in last week’s open singles which was won by Barry Murphy from Gort (26) with 41 points. He won on a countback from Tony Neville (14). Neilius Butler was the 2s winner at the 4th hole.
EAST CLARE:
The ladies team of 2 competition last week was won by Deirdre Tuohy and Margaret Egan with 43 points while the ladies Wednesday competition was won by Pauline Nugent, Ursula Hogan and Mary Jo Minogue.
The men’s Golfstyle open blue tees stableford competition on Sunday was won by Seamus Mason (17) with 40 points from Patrick McMahon (25) with 37.
The category winners were Eoin McGuinness (2) with 35 points, Pat Carey (15) with 37 points and Sean Ahern (20) with 38 points.
Last week’s senior men’s competition was won by Nick Obolewicz, Ger Shortt and Kieran McNamara from Steve Symes, Paddy O’Brien and Jack Manley with third place filled by Pat McMahon, Richard Hayes and Chris Davis.
Club President, Teddy O’Hanlon’s prize will be played for this weekend.
DROMOLAND GC:
The 18 hole strokeplay competition off the blue tees at Dromoland was won by Niall Woods with 73, one ahead of George Smith. Jason Ryan won the gross with 78.
The winner of the competition off the white tees was Niall Cannon with 76 from Tom O’Sullivan who had a similar score.
The ladies Autumn major for the Deirdre Fitzpatrick trophy was won by Suzanne McConway with 43 points from Joan Ryan with 40 and they were followed by Siobhan Fitzpatrick with 38 points and Niamh McDermott, also with 38.
Katrina O’Neill won the gross while the nines were won by Michelle McCarthy with 21 points and Mairéad Bergin with 19 points.
Siobhan Fitzpatrick had the longest drive while Suzanne McConway was nearest the pin.
Joan Dunne with 17 points won the 9 hole competition from Maureen McKeogh with 16 points.
GORT GOLF CLUB:
Brendan Dolan’s president’s prize final took place at Gort on Saturday when the winner was Gerry Cooney (29) with 90 points from Michael Cahill (14) with 87. They were followed by Alan Fogarty (21) with 82 points, Gerry Fahy (24) with 77 points and Tom Costello (20) with 75.
Tony Finnegan (3) won the gross with 35 points while Ronnie Killeen (36) won the nett with 44 points. The category winners were Noel O Shaughnessy (12) with 75 points, Pat Curtis (18) with 73 points and Chris Fahey (23) with 69 points. The past President’s category was won by Frank Higgins (19) with 75 points.
In the ladies section the President’s prize winner was Hannah McInerney (6) with 68 points from Marcella Killeen (19) with 66 points, Geraldine Connors (18) with 64 points, Josie Cummins (23) with 62 points, Maura Hanrahan (14) with 59 points, Catherine Burke (29) with 59 points, Patricia Lyons (35) with 57 points and Margaret Whelan (33) with 56 points. Evelyn Fahey (24) with 37 points while the gross was won by Siobhan Forde (10) with 42 points.
Friday’s open singles was won by Andy Murphy (20) with 40 points while Eanna Melville (5) won he gross with 28 points.
Sunday’s 18 hole singles was won by Ben Geoghegan (18) with 41 points.
Greyhounds: Stick With Me lands feature for Gort owners
by Michael Maher
Friday night’s Galway card featured the semi-finals of The Talking Dogs A4 Dual Distance Stake over 525 Yards with the concluding A3 graded 525 yards affair the top graded event of the night. As the traps rose for the feature contest Claudegreengrass was away smartly from his trap two berth and towards the opening bend he led from Five Alley Syd with Stick With Me close up on the outside as they rounded the opening bend. Racing down the back Claudegreengrass continued to show the way but the Mullins-Curtin Syndicate of Gort owned Stick With Me was now looming large on the outside and as they exited the back straight the son of Grangeview Ten and
that gruelling marathon bitch Dana Point swept round the wide outside to assume command on the crown of the home turn and drawing clear in the straight Stick With Me scored by three & a half lengths from Five Alley Syd in 28.82. In the second semi-final of The Talking Dogs Dual Distance Stake, Lakeside Albert led up early on the wide outside from Hollywell Mave and Candys Widget with Barntick Midget close up along the rails as they took the opening two bends. Turning down the far side Lakeside Albert, Hollywell Maeve and Barntick Midget were line abreast across the track but as they approached the penultimate corner the Donal Duggan of Tulla trained Candys Widget (Skywalker Canny & Miss Dior) swept through along
the inner and quickly took command of proceedings. Clear off the home bend the Any Chance Of A Kuga Syndicate owned runner powered clear to lead home a kennel 1-2 defeating Cloneyogan Sydney by three lengths in 29.33. The opening contest of the night was an S6 graded sprint contest and as the traps rose the Harper Ward of Spanchill owned Mirabel was very smartly into her stride and racing towards the opening bend she led from Flyers Swiftly along the rails with Burkos Mojo in third place. Rounding the opening bend Mirabel took a further length out of her rivals and turning for home the daughter of Droopys Sydney and Cactus Saphire led by two lengths and although Burkos Mojo closed late on Mirabel prevailed by three parts of a
length at the line in 19.42.
Dark Princess was best away from her trap three berth in the A6 graded contest and racing towards the opening bend she led Lissatouk Pearl by two lengths with Balroebuck Ash in third place as they rounded the opening bend. Turning down the back the Seamus McMahon of Cooraclare owned Lissatouk Pearl made ground on the leaders outside to join issue at halfway and once on terms the daughter of Ballymac Cashout and Lissatouk Dolly immediately set sail for home. Moving to the rails leaving the back straight Lissatouk Pearl was in command up the straight as she scored by two lengths from John Boy Kevin in 29.76.
Race five looked a tightly graded affair on paper and from traps
Burkos Tarzan was best away in the centre of the track ahead of Placeinmyheart and Highview Fashion on his outside but on the long run towards the opening bend the Colm Fitzgerald of Kilrush trained Tiermana Dream powered down the inner to take command at the turn. Swinging for home though Tiernana Dream swung wide giving Placeinmyheart a second chance but the Zero-Zero Syndicate owned son of Ballyhimikin Jet and Tiermana Jetty would not be denied scoring by half a length in 19.26. Down Limerick way Newmarket-on-Fergus Handler Myles Cummins continues his winning form, recently he sent out Snuggie Jasper to record his 25th win in a A3 525 contest, Jasper is in his sixth year and continues to enjoy his racing.
The Shannon Golf Club Jimmy Bruen team
PLANNING NOTICES
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL
QUIN ROAD
BUSINESS PARK, QUIN ROAD, ENNIS, CO CLARE. V95D592
Take notice that Kevin Lernihan t/a Clipex Fencing & Stockyards intends to apply for planning permission to change the use of the existing industrial buildings to an indoor sports/ leisure centre with 6 padel courts, changing rooms, toilets, seating / reception area, using the existing site entrance and parking area and all associated and ancillary site works at the above address.
e planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL
KILLIAN, BAREFIELD CO CLARE.
Take notice that Trevor Loughnane intends to apply for planning permission to build a new dwelling house , install a waste treatment system and all associated and ancillary site works at the above address.
e planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing
to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL LOUGHLOON, LISCANNOR, CO CLARE. V95 P8C7
Take notice that Ann and Seamus Durack intend to apply for planning permission to RETAIN the dwelling house as built on site, which was originally granted permission under planning reference P22/672 and all associated and ancillary site works at the above address.
e planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL DRUMMIN, ARDNACRUSHA CO. CLARE
Take Notice that I Aedin Reid intend to apply to Clare County Council For Permission for the Construction of a Single Storey Dwellinghouse, Garage & Proprietary Waste Treatment Plant, Bored Well, New Entrance and including all ancillary site works.
e Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the o ces of the Planning Authority of
Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during it’s public opening hours. A submission or Observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.
Case No: D:LIC:ENIS:2025:008805
Courts Licence No: LIC:12351
Revenue Licence No: LIP1160
An Chúirt Duiche
The District Court Licensing (Ireland) Act 1833
Section 6 Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1960
Section 29 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER OF A LICENCE District Court Area of Ennis District No. 12
Carmel Ryan as Nominee Applicant TAKE NOTICE that the abovenamed Applicant Carmel Ryan as nominee of Gary Ryan Transport Limited of 1 Church View, Sixmilebridge, Clare intends to apply to the Annual Licensing Court to be held at the Court at Ennis District Court on the 26-Sep2025 at 10:30 for the TRANSFER to the Applicant of the Publican’s Licence (7-Day Ordinary) licence attached to the premises known as McGregors and situate at Sixmilebridge, Sixmilebridge, Clare in the court area and district aforesaid.
Dated 02 Sep 2025
Signed Stiofán Fitzpatrick Solicitor for Applicant Solicitors, The Square, Sixmilebridge , Clare
To the Garda Superintendent, at CT.Clare.CE@Garda.ie, Ennis Garda Station, Abbey Street, Ennis, Clare, V95 TR83
To the Fire Officer, at fireoff@ clarecoco.ie, Clare Fire Station, Ennis, Clare, V95 CD74
To the Health Service Executive Official, at pehodare@hse.ie
To the District Court Clerk, Ennis District Court
An Chuirt Duiche Licensing (Ireland) Act 1833
Section 6
Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1960
Section 29
The District Court NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER OF A LICENCE District Court Area of Ennis District No. 12
Brendan Darcy as Nominee
Applicant TAKE NOTICE that the abovenamed Applicant Brendan Darcy as nominee of Ballyvaughan Public House Limited of Glenfort, Ballyvaughan, Clare intends to apply to the Annual Licensing Court to be held at the Court at Ennis District Court on the 26-Sep2025 at 10:30 for the TRANSFER to the Applicant of the Publican’s (7-Day Ordinary) licence attached to the premises known as Greene’s Bar and situate at Main Street, Ballyvaughan, Clare in the court area and district aforesaid.
Dated 2 September 2025
Signed: Power Law LLP Solicitor for Applicant Fourth Floor, Dockgate, Merchants Road, Galway
To The Garda Superintendent, at CT.Clare.CE@Garda.ie, Ennis Garda Station, Abbey Street, Ennis, Clare, V95 TR83
To The Fire Officer, at fireoff@ clarecoco.ie, Clare Fire Station, Ennis, Clare, V95 CD74
To The Health Service Executive Official, at pehoclare@hse.ie
To The District Court Clerk, Ennis District Court
CHIMNEY CLEANING
THIS WEEKS PUZZLES Aug 17th
THIS WEEKS PUZZLES Sep 4
WORD SEARCH
Sucre
Zloty
The Clare Echo Crossword
that's not too
ACROSS
1. Hypnotic state(6)
4. Unruffled(6)
8. Poised for action(5)
9. Water tank(7)
10. Country formerly part of Yugoslavia(7)
11. Horrify(5)
12. Toady(9)
17. Electronic communication(1-4)
19. Wagered(7)
21. Bishop’s territory(7)
22. Truehearted(5)
23. High regard(6)
24. Archer’s missiles(6)
DOWN
1. Three times(6)
HOW TO PLAY
Sudoku is a logic puzzle where you have to populate the grid with numbers. A number can appear only once in each row, column and house. Each puzzle can be solved using logic from the given information and requires no guesswork.
2. Nonplussed(2,1,4)
3. Underground chamber(5)
5. Milan opera house(2,5)
6. Move furtively(5)
7. Hang freely(6)
9. Bubbly(9)
13. Educational institution(7)
14. Hunting cry(5-2)
15. Interfere(6)
16. Grown-ups(6)
18. More or less(5)
20. Middle-distance runner(5)
The Clare Echo Quiz
1. Which of these car companies operates in the Shannon Free Zone?
Jaguar Land Rover Maserati
2. Which Clare hurling Manager taught in Shannon as a principal for a number of years?
Brian Lohan
Davy Fitz
Ger Loughnane
3. Shannon College of Hotel Management became affiliated with which University in 2015? UL NUIG
4. St. Patrick’s comprehensive school was the first comprehensive school in Ireland, but what year did it open? 1970 1966 1965
5. What was the population of Shannon as per the 2022 census 10,337
6. In what year did Shannon bus manufacturers GAC Ireland close their doors?
7. Shannon is twinned with which French town? Guingamp Vichy Bastogne
8. Which of these Clare hurlers plays for Wolfe Tones? Ryan Taylor Aron Shanagher Mark Rodgers
9. Which of these villages is closest to Shannon? Bunratty Newmarket-on-Fergus Sixmilebridge
10. Which of these broadcasters is from Shannon?
Pat Kenny Claire Byrne Rachael English 1986 Guingamp Aron Shanagher Bunratty
ANSWERS
Rachael English
Spot the Difference
Can you spot the difference? Spot the 7 differences. The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.
Last weeks Answers
Piece missing on suit jacket (second from right)
Tulla draw with Killanena 1-18
Photo by Gerard O’Neill
24th, 25th & 26th December 2025
30th December - 1st January 2026
